The Libyan Judicial Association has condemned an armed assault targeting a senior member of the prosecution service in Zawiya, describing the incident as a direct attack on the authority and dignity of the judiciary.
According to the association, Judge Derbal, who was driving his vehicle belonging to the Office of the Attorney General, was harassed by another car carrying several individuals in the Sabriya district, west of Zawiya. The vehicle chased him until he was forced to stop.
The statement said one of the assailants, a man in his forties with greying hair, stepped out armed and forcibly removed the prosecutor from his car. He then seized the official vehicle, the judge’s mobile phone, and all personal belongings before fleeing with the group.
The Judicial Association stressed that the attack went beyond a personal crime, warning that it was a serious affront to judicial authority and the security of legal officials in Libya.
It called on the Attorney General’s Office to immediately launch a full investigation to identify the perpetrators, noting that the car and its characteristics had been clearly documented. The association also urged security forces to intensify efforts to track down and arrest those responsible.
In its closing remarks, the association pledged to continue defending its members and to confront any threats against their safety. It held the authorities fully responsible for ensuring the protection of judges, prosecutors, and legal staff, including the provision of personal and professional security measures.
The incident has raised concerns over deteriorating security conditions in western Libya, where judicial and state officials have frequently been exposed to intimidation and violence by armed groups.
