The Martyr Muhammad al-Maqrif Central Teaching Hospital in Ajdabiya said it received 41 children injured by fireworks during Eid al-Fitr.
The hospital said in a statement that the ophthalmology department received 24 children, with varying degrees of injury on Friday.
While another 17 children were treated at the ophthalmology department on Saturday, including cases of bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye as a result of a bead gun injury.
Children in Libya usually celebrate by setting off fireworks during public celebrations in Libya. They use spears, bead guns, and darts.
On the adult level, they celebrate weddings and public celebrations by firing live bullets and sound bullets. Some casualties are recorded as a result of these shots.
In August 2021, the Libyan Military Prosecutor banned carrying of arms at wedding functions with immediate effect, saying that whoever does will be jailed for a life sentence in prison.
The firing at celebrations in Libya is an inherited social custom. Weddings and occasions in Libya are not without “bragging” about shooting in the air, as an expression of their joy over the event. However, the phenomenon claimed the lives of many attendees and even caused severe injuries among them.
The groom may face the same sentence as he did not “object or refuse” that illegal acts, said the Libyan Military Prosecutor.
This decision was based on Law No. (3) of 2014 on combating terrorism. The decision was also come in accordance with the directives issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, in order to address these acts and prevent their perpetrators from evading justice.
Through this decision, Libya seeks to maintain “stability” in the country and the non-proliferation of weapons among the citizens.
The military prosecutor said that the military prosecution will “account and punish” those who use firearms of all kinds on social occasions or under any circumstances.
“Also, those who cover up the perpetrators of the crime will be tried, as the act aims to sow terror among the citizens and endanger their lives,” the statement added.