After the arrest of a State Council Deputy in Derna… Libya’s Brotherhood obstruct solution initiatives again
While efforts are intensifying to overcome the state of political division and ward off its disastrous consequences, the arrest of a member of the Libyan Advisory State Council in the city of Derna has reignited sharp debate over the nature of relations between competing institutions vying for power in the country, and whether they are willing to overcome their differences.
In a statement, the State Council denounced the arrest by a security force in Derna of council member Safoine Al-Masouri late on Monday night upon his arrival in his city, calling for his immediate release and holding the detainees responsible for his safety, according to what was published by the council’s media office.
The Council expressed its displeasure with the arrest operation, considering that this operation undermined all convergence efforts and its legislative legitimacy derived from the laws in force in the state, according to the statement.
Libyan circles believe that the arrest of the Brotherhood deputy in his city, Derna, cannot be outside the circle of military decision-making, especially since he is known for his affiliation with the unwelcome political Islamic trend in the eastern region.
According to estimates published by “Al-Arab” newspaper, Al-Masouri’s arrest and the non-disclosure of his fate or the party behind his disappearance recall several previous cases, including that of Siham Serquioua, a member of parliament, whose fate is still unknown since her abduction on July 17, 2019.
On Twitter, US Special Envoy for Libya Richard Norland expressed solidarity with Serquioua’s husband, Dr. Ali Rabii, condemning her abduction and the suffering it has caused to her family.
