Latest news with #LibyanExpress
Libyan Express
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
ICC demands Libya arrest suspect Osama Njeem
BY Libyan Express Jul 02, 2025 - 04:57 Osama Njeem Al-Masry, wanted by the ICC for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Libya The International Criminal Court (ICC) has called on Libya's Presidential Council and Government of National Unity to cooperate in the arrest of Osama Njeem Al-Masry, wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed at Mitiga Prison since 2011. On 22 January, the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber issued an arrest warrant accusing Al-Masry of murder, torture, rape, and sexual violence, committed either personally or through the Special Deterrence Forces under his command. Victims were targeted due to their religious beliefs, alleged immoral conduct, homosexuality, or suspected ties to rival groups. Al-Masry was briefly detained by Italian authorities in Turin on 20 January but was released and returned to Libya, raising concerns over the enforcement of the warrant. The ICC prosecutes serious international crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling to act. Al-Masry is associated with Libya's Special Deterrence Forces, which have been accused of abuses in detention centres such as Mitiga Prison. Libya's ongoing political divisions hinder the enforcement of ICC decisions. The court has been investigating crimes related to Libya's conflict since 2011. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Tunisian court jails lawyer Sonia Dahmani for criticising migrant policy
BY Libyan Express Jul 02, 2025 - 05:02 Lawyer Sonia Dahmani was sentenced to two years in prison under Tunisia's cybercrime law after criticising the government's stance on African migrants A Tunisian court on Monday sentenced prominent lawyer and government critic Sonia Dahmani to two years in prison over comments challenging the state's treatment of sub-Saharan migrants—raising alarm among rights groups about the deepening repression in the country. Dahmani's defence team withdrew from the courtroom after the judge refused their request to postpone the trial, accusing the court of trying her twice for the same offence. 'What's happening is a farce,' said her lawyer, Sami Ben Ghazi. 'Sonia is being punished for the same statement twice.' Fellow lawyer Bassem Trifi called the verdict 'a grave injustice'. Dahmani was arrested last year following remarks made during a televised debate, in which she criticised the Tunisian government's stance on undocumented African migrants. She was prosecuted under Decree 54, a controversial cybercrime law that has become a tool for silencing journalists, lawyers, and opposition figures. President Kais Saied has faced growing accusations of authoritarianism since seizing sweeping powers in 2021. He has repeatedly denied targeting critics, insisting his actions are lawful and aimed at ending corruption and restoring order. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Libyan Express
CBL pushes interior ministry to curb unauthorised forex dealings
BY Libyan Express Jun 30, 2025 - 05:49 Central bank sounds alarm over illegal currency exchanges in Libya Libya's central bank has urged the Ministry of Interior to intensify efforts to combat unregulated foreign currency trading, warning that the growing black market is fuelling illicit financial activity and threatening economic stability. In an official letter, the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) said the parallel market for hard currency has expanded significantly, with increasing volumes of foreign exchange being traded outside authorised channels. The bank described this trend as a serious challenge to both the national economy and internal security. The CBL cited Law No. 1 of 2005 on banking, which gives the bank exclusive authority to license and supervise all currency exchange activity in the country. It noted that recent decisions, including Board Resolution No. 8 of 2024, have established new regulatory frameworks for exchange companies, under which a number of firms have been formally licensed to operate. Only entities granted official authorisation are permitted to engage in currency exchange, the bank said. It warned that any activity outside these legal frameworks contributes to the spread of money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The CBL called on the interior ministry to take 'all necessary legal measures' against individuals and organisations involved in unauthorised currency dealing, including the enforcement of penalties outlined in current legislation. The letter included a list of licensed exchange companies and offices currently authorised to operate within Libya. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Libyan Express
Libyan olive oils win awards in Athens
BY Libyan Express Jun 30, 2025 - 05:36 Libyan olive oil earns global recognition Three Libyan olive oil companies received awards at the 2025 Athens International Olive Oil Competition, the Libyan Export Promotion Centre (LEPC) announced on Sunday. According to the Centre, the awards reflect Libya's continued presence among global producers recognised for quality in the olive oil industry. Gold medals were awarded to Mishkah and Celine companies, while the Mountain Olive Company received a bronze medal in the excellent olive oil category. Mishkah also earned an additional award for the best Shamlali variety. The competition, now in its tenth edition, featured 630 entries from various countries, making it one of the larger events of its kind in the sector. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libya Review
3 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Libyans Demand UN Mission Exit Over Political Paralysis
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) is facing mounting criticism from the Libyan public, who increasingly view its presence as an obstacle rather than a catalyst for political progress. A recent investigation by Libyan Express revealed deep dissatisfaction among citizens regarding UNSMIL's effectiveness, according to Italy's Agenzia Nova. Many accuse the mission of being disconnected from Libya's realities, with no visible improvements in daily life or governance. Public anger came to a head during recent protests outside UNSMIL's headquarters in Tripoli, where demonstrators called for the mission's immediate departure. Protester Ramadan Khaled told reporters, 'The UN mission is part of the problem, not the solution. It must change course or leave.' Another citizen, Fawziya Ben Ali, criticised the mission's activities as limited to 'endless meetings, foreign trips, and statements that achieve nothing.' Political analyst Dr Ibrahim Mohammed echoed these concerns, noting the lack of innovation and clear timelines in the mission's proposals. UNSMIL recently announced the creation of a 20-member Libyan advisory committee, claiming it would provide a national voice for future political solutions. The committee's recommendations were made public in May. However, many Libyans see this as an insufficient gesture in the face of a deepening crisis. The country remains polarised between two rival governments: the Tripoli-based GNU led by Abdulhamid Dbaiba , and the eastern administration led by Osama Hammad, appointed by the House of Representatives. In this context, public trust in UNSMIL appears to be eroding rapidly. Libyans are calling for concrete action, a clear political roadmap, and international support that truly reflects their aspirations for sovereignty, elections, and democratic transition. Tags: libyaLibyan Crisistripoliununsmil
