Calls have intensified in Libya for a full technical and legal investigation into the collapse of a mosque roof in the coastal city of Zawiya, an incident that left one Egyptian worker dead and another injured.
The Libyan Holy Quran Academy urged the launch of an independent and comprehensive inquiry covering all parties involved in the construction project, including supervising authorities, implementing bodies, contractors, and on-site engineers. The Academy stressed that the investigation must be conducted by neutral technical and judicial experts to determine the exact causes of the structural failure.
In an official statement, the Academy said the tragedy highlights serious concerns over construction standards, oversight mechanisms, and compliance with safety regulations at religious sites. It called for a transparent process to identify any technical, administrative, or contractual shortcomings that may have contributed to the collapse.
The statement further emphasized that accountability is essential, warning that any individual or entity found to have been negligent or in violation of building codes must be held legally responsible. According to the Academy, uncovering the truth behind the incident is not only a matter of justice for the victims and their families, but also a necessary step to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Local authorities have yet to announce the formation of an official investigative committee, but public pressure is mounting for swift action, particularly given the fatal outcome and the sensitive nature of places of worship, which are expected to meet the highest standards of structural safety.
The collapse has renewed debate in Libya over the quality of construction oversight, the role of supervisory bodies, and the need for stricter enforcement of engineering and safety regulations in both public and religious buildings.