The Libyan Attorney General’s Office has ordered the detention of a former hospital director and key administrative and relations officials at the Ali Omar Askar Hospital in Sbi’aa, south of Tripoli, on charges of financial corruption.
According to a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Attorney General’s Office received a report detailing the falsification of official documents that incorrectly claimed the receipt of medical equipment and supplies by the healthcare institution, and the improper disbursement of public funds.
The statement highlighted discrepancies in the costs of catering services contracted by the hospital compared to the services actually provided to patients.
Following an investigation led by the Chief Prosecutor, evidence confirmed the mismanagement of public funds. It was found that the administrative and financial managers intentionally caused financial damage to public assets amounting to two million dinars, leading to their detention pending further investigation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
