Sentencing of Armed Group Members in Libya Highlights Oil Sector Threats

Seven members of an armed group in Libya have been sentenced to prison for coercing oil workers and threatening national security, with losses exceeding $52 billion due to production shutdowns. Six received 18-year sentences; one received 15 years, all stripped of civil rights. Confusion remains about Ibrahim Jadhran’s involvement in the convictions.

A criminal court in Tripoli has recently sentenced seven individuals to prison for their involvement with an armed group responsible for jeopardizing state security and the national economy. According to a statement from Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour’s office, these individuals coerced oil field workers to halt production, leading to substantial disruptions in the oil sector.

The specifics surrounding the armed group and the identities of the defendants were not disclosed. Nonetheless, it was reported that six individuals received sentences of 18 years, while the seventh was sentenced to 15 years, with all seven being permanently stripped of their civil rights.

The investigation by the Attorney General revealed that the accused were attempting to undermine the government and obstruct public authorities, which included acts such as sabotaging government buildings and carrying out indiscriminate killings of state employees. Notably, this armed activity caused financial losses exceeding $52 billion due to forced oil production shutdowns.

Confusion persists regarding whether Ibrahim Jadhran and his family were among those sentenced. Jadhran had previously led the Petroleum Facilities Guard and was involved in oil field and port closures from 2013 to 2016, significantly impacting oil exports. Furthermore, in March 2014, he attempted an independent oil export that was thwarted by the U.S. Navy, which intercepted the tanker off Cyprus’s coast.

The sentencing of these seven individuals marks a significant enforcement action against those threatening Libya’s national security and economy through armed interference in oil operations. The Attorney General’s findings highlight the gravity of their actions, which not only disrupted oil production but also led to profound economic losses. The case reflects ongoing struggles related to governance and accountability in Libya’s oil sector.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly