The Libyan Member of Parliament (MP), Jaballah Al-Shaibani criticised the heavy security presence in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. He stated that Dbaiba’s government is preventing peaceful protests against the government’s policy on normalisation with Israel. He sees this as a return to a repressive police state.
Al-Shaibani expressed his views on Facebook, stating, “looking at the streets and entrances of Tripoli and the extensive deployment of heavily armed security forces to prevent peaceful protests, which are guaranteed by the constitution, dispels the illusion and pretense that we are living in an era of freedom of expression.” He further added, “what is happening confirms the reality of a return to a repressive police state with batons, tear gas, water cannons, and bullets if necessary.”
The recent security measures and restrictions on peaceful demonstrations in Tripoli have raised concerns among some Libyan officials and activists, who believe that these actions hinder the exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms. Critics argue that such restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly contradict the principles of democracy and civil rights, which Libya has been striving to uphold since the ousting of the Gaddafi regime.
These developments highlight the ongoing challenges facing Libya as it seeks to establish a stable and democratic government that respects human rights and the rule of law. It remains to be seen how these concerns will be addressed and whether Libya can move forward toward a more inclusive and rights-respecting political landscape. Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations, each backed by rogue militias and foreign governments.
The current stalemate grew out of the failure to hold elections in December 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdehamid Dbaiba, who is leading the transitional government, to step down. In response, the country’s eastern-based Parliament appointed a rival Prime Minister, Fathi Bashagha, who has for months sought to install his government in Tripoli.
