Tripoli Criminal Court Sentences Armed Group Members for Oil Blockade Activities
A Tripoli criminal court has sentenced seven members of an armed group to prison for coercing oil workers to shut down production, causing over $52 billion in losses. Six received 18 years and one 15 years, all losing civil rights. The group’s actions aimed to undermine the government and instigate violence.
A criminal court in Tripoli has sentenced seven individuals to imprisonment for their participation in an armed group that posed threats to national security and the economy. These individuals coerced oil field workers into halting production, leading to severe economic repercussions. According to Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour, the defendants received sentences of 18 years for six individuals and 15 years for one, alongside permanent revocation of their civil rights.
The Attorney General’s investigation unveiled that the defendants aimed to disrupt the governmental structure, obstruct public authority functions, and perpetrate violence against state employees, specifically targeting oil production facilities. The forced shutdowns of oil operations resulted in significant financial losses totaling over $52 billion.
Reports have varied regarding the involvement of Ibrahim Jadhran, who previously had a history of oil field closures while serving as head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard. The shutdowns initiated in July 2013 led to extensive disruptions in oil exports, causing tremendous economic damage. Jadhran’s attempt to export oil independently from Sidra port in March 2014 was thwarted by U.S. Navy intervention, leading to the seizure of the tanker off Cyprus.
The sentencing of the armed group members marks a significant judicial action against those threatening national security and the economy through coercive means. The severe financial impact of the oil production shutdowns underscores the vital role of the oil industry in the nation’s economy. Continued vigilance is necessary to prevent similar disruptions and protect the constitutional order.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
