Kidnapped MP’s torture video triggers media crackdown in Haftar camp

Sources told Libyan Express that Khalifa Al-Obaidi, head of the War Media Division within Haftar’s forces, has fled Libya and is now hiding in Cairo, Egypt. Al-Obaidi is accused of leaking videos showing the torture of the kidnapped MP, Ibrahim al-Dersi, who appeared shackled in chains.

According to the sources, Al-Obaidi escaped nearly two weeks ago. Since then, forces loyal to Haftar have launched sweeping raids and searches on his homes and offices in an attempt to locate him.

The sources further revealed that the director of the Libya Al-Hadath television channel—affiliated with the Haftar camp—has also fled. His disappearance reportedly coincided with the arrest of several members of his media staff.

Haftar’s forces are pursuing the channel director as well, accusing him of involvement in leaking the al-Dersi torture footage. In addition, a number of social media activists working with Libya Al-Hadath have been detained.

The leaked videos of al-Dersi have sparked widespread outrage in Libya, renewing attention on allegations of torture and abuse within detention facilities run by Haftar’s forces.

Analysts say the sudden flight of senior media figures and the crackdown on media teams highlight growing fractures within Haftar’s camp and intensify questions over accountability.