Libya’s UN-recognised government has suspended an influential interior minister and said he will be questioned over “violations” committed recently against protesters in the capital, Tripoli.
Fathi Bashagha will face the Presidential Council within 72 hours, the Government of National Accord (GNA) said in a decree late Friday.
It added that the investigation will look into permission and protection offered to protesters, statements issued by the ministry on the protests in Tripoli and other cities during the past week and any violations committed against the demonstrators.
Tripoli and other cities have recently seen street demonstrations demanding political and economic reforms amid a decline in essential services including frequent power outages.
Protesters at the Martyrs’ Square in Tripoli were shot at by armed militias, leaving some wounded, according to witnesses.
The ministry’s undersecretary, Khalid Mazen, will assume Bashagha’s duties.
Libya’s Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha arrives at Tripoli’s Mitiga airport, yesterday.
