Grand mufti warns against vandalism

Libya’s Grand Mufti Sadiq Al-Ghariani has condemned the blocking of roads and attacks on state institutions, describing the actions as religiously forbidden and urging the authorities to hold those responsible to account.

In remarks published by Libya’s Dar Al-Ifta on Friday, Al-Ghariani said joining those involved in such acts was impermissible and described their conduct as “hirabah”, a term in Islamic jurisprudence associated with grave offences that threaten public order and security.

“What the vandals are doing by blocking roads and attacking institutions is forbidden. Joining them is not permissible, and it constitutes hirabah,” he said.

Al-Ghariani also questioned the response of the Interior Ministry, asking: “Where is the Interior Ministry?” He called for the law to be enforced against those involved in acts of vandalism.

His comments did not identify a particular group or specify the incidents to which he was referring.