Microsoft executive held by Libyan authorities

WASHINGTON—Microsoft is seeking the release of its country manager in Libya, who has been in the custody of the Libyan authorities for two weeks, the US software giant said.

The Seattle, Washington-based company said Khalid Elhasumi has been held by the authorities in Tripoli since March 19 and Microsoft has been working with his family and international organizations to help get him released.

“We continue our efforts to ensure his safety and soonest possible release,” Microsoft said in a statement.

“We are hopeful that the authorities will release Khalid soon,” said Ali Faramawy, Microsoft’s vice president for the Middle East and Africa.

“We are in close touch with his family and are actively working to provide support and ensure his safety,” Faramawy said.

Wael Ghonim, an executive at another US technology giant, Google, became a prominent voice of the protesters who eventually secured the ouster of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.

Microsoft, however, said it did not know why its Libya country manager was being held. “We currently have no information about the reasons for his detention,” it said.

Microsoft said Elhasumi joined the company in 2010 and manages its operations in Libya which opened in 2006.