NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES
- An Ansa news agency report stated Italian President Sergio Mattarella issued a presidential pardon. The pardon was issued last week. It included Libyan citizen Alaa Faraj Abdul Karim. According to the report, Abdul Karim arrived in Europe in 2015. He was about 20 years old. He hoped to become a professional football player. Later, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison. This followed his conviction in a human trafficking case. He was also found guilty of violating immigration laws. This case stemmed from the deaths of 49 migrants. They suffocated aboard an overcrowded boat on August 14, 2015. Meanwhile, 313 other people survived.
- The Tourist Police and Antiquities Protection Agency announced the thwarting of an attempt to smuggle an artifact. The incident occurred in the city of Tarhouna. Three individuals involved in the incident were arrested. One is Libyan. Two are Egyptian. The agency clarified in a statement that the operation followed precise monitoring. This came after a video showing the artifact for sale was spotted on Facebook. Investigations revealed the suspect was within Tarhouna city limits. The agency added that a security plan was developed in coordination with the Public Prosecution. It cooperated with the Tarhouna Security Directorate. This resulted in the arrest of three individuals red-handed. They have been referred to the Public Prosecution to complete legal investigations.
NATIONAL POLITICS AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- The High National Elections Commission issued a statement on Sunday. It affirmed that claims regarding its non-commitment to implementing the constitutional referendum law are misleading. These claims aim to destabilize the Libyan people’s trust in the institution. The Commission’s board clarified the referendum’s legal path in its statement. It began with the issuance of the Tenth Constitutional Amendment on November 26, 2018. Law No. (6) of 2018 concerning the constitutional referendum followed this. The law was referred to the Commission on November 28, 2018. This was for technical review, preparing regulations, and executive procedures. The statement noted that the High Council of State requested an immediate halt to the law’s implementation. This request was made on December 12, 2018. However, the Commission continued reviewing the law. It requested amendments to some of its articles. This was stated in its letter dated January 9, 2019. Law No. (1) of 2019 was issued. This law amended certain provisions. Subsequently, the Commission prepared regulatory bylaws and executive procedures. These were for activating the referendum.
- The High National Election Commission (HNEC) Council issued an official statement. It responded to claims regarding its failure to implement the constitutional draft referendum. The HNEC affirmed these allegations are inaccurate. They do not reflect the legal and procedural path the commission has followed. This path started with the referendum law’s issuance. The statement clarified the House of Representatives’ actions. It issued the Tenth Constitutional Amendment on November 26, 2018. Law No. (6) of 2018 followed this. This law concerned the referendum on the permanent constitution draft. It was issued on November 27, 2018. The law was referred to the HNEC on November 28, 2018. The HNEC then began a technical review of its articles. This aimed to prepare for issuing regulatory bylaws. It sought to initiate the implementation process.
- Major General Abdul Moneim Al-Mahshash, head of the Municipal Guard in the Libyan government, issued instructions. He directed directors of the apparatus’s branches to establish units. These units will combat stray dogs. They will operate within each branch’s jurisdiction. This step aims to protect citizens. It also ensures public safety. It reduces risks from stray dogs in cities. These include residential areas. All necessary capabilities will support these units. This enables them to perform their duties. They must follow legal and humanitarian procedures. This enhances environmental and health security within municipalities.
