Libya’s Attorney General’s Office has launched a criminal investigation against the head of the Zuwara Coast Guard branch, ordering the detention of four officers pending further inquiry.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, a prosecutor has taken charge of the investigation into the shooting of a Criminal Investigation officer, which occurred during an operation to apprehend four individuals accused of orchestrating illegal migration off the Zuwara coast.
The inquiry revealed that some Coast Guard officers had allegedly planned to transport 37 migrants across the Mediterranean Sea. During the operation, they reportedly fired gunshots at Criminal Investigation officers to prevent them from intercepting the smuggling attempt.
Following interrogations, the prosecutor ordered the pretrial detention of the four accused officers and issued directives to arrest additional suspects from various security and military units allegedly involved in the illicit activity.
The Attorney General has also called for migrants to be transferred to non-detention shelters, ensuring their legal status is addressed in accordance with humanitarian standards.
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.
