Seven individuals were sentenced to prison by a Tripoli criminal court for their involvement in an armed group that coerced oil workers and threatened state security, resulting in financial losses exceeding $52 billion. The defendants received sentences ranging from 15 to 18 years, along with permanent loss of civil rights.
A criminal court in Tripoli recently sentenced seven individuals to prison for their roles in an armed group engaged in activities 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 into shutting down production sites temporarily.
The statement did not disclose the name of the armed group or identify the defendants specifically. Six of the accused received sentences of 18 years each, while the seventh was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Furthermore, all individuals were permanently stripped of their civil rights.
The investigation led by the Attorney General determined that the defendants aimed to disrupt the government structure and constitutional order, interfere with public authorities, damage government property, commit indiscriminate killings of state employees, and compel oil workers to suspend production. The forced shutdowns reportedly caused financial losses estimated at $52,228,413,000.
Conflicting reports have surfaced regarding whether Ibrahim Jadhran and members of his family, who previously closed oil fields during his tenure as head of the Petroleum Facilities Guard (from 2013 to 2016), were among those convicted. The shutdowns commenced in July 2013, significantly disturbing oil exports and leading to substantial economic deterioration. In March 2014, Jadhran attempted to independently export oil using a shipment from Sidra port, but U.S. Navy intervention resulted in the seizure of the tanker off the coast of Cyprus.
The Tripoli criminal court’s sentencing of seven individuals underscores the severe repercussions of armed groups on national security and the economy. The actions taken by these defendants resulted in significant financial losses and disruptions within the oil sector. This case illuminates the ongoing challenges faced in maintaining economic stability amidst political conflict in the region.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
