Libya's former Water Resources Minister, Tariq Abdul Salam Mustafa, has been sentenced to 3 years in prison by the Tripoli Court of Appeal for misusing public funds and harming state assets. The court found Mustafa guilty of negligence in preserving public funds, achieving benefits for others, and damaging state assets. The case was brought against him by the Libyan Administrative Control Authority after investigations uncovered irregularities in the management of public funds and the use of official powers.
The Administrative Control Authority's investigations revealed that Mustafa had entered into two contracts with companies through direct assignment without referring them to the Tenders Committee. He also booked hotel rooms and made travel arrangements for individuals not affiliated with the ministry, and paid for their expenses. Furthermore, 56 individuals not employed by the ministry were accommodated at a cost of 192,576 Libyan dinars. An additional 19 individuals benefited from hotel services and travel tickets.
The investigations also found that Mustafa had contracted with non-specialized companies to implement water desalination plant projects, with costs exceeding benchmark prices and lacking technical specifications. The Authority's findings led to the referral of the case to the Public Prosecution, which subsequently charged Mustafa with crimes related to public funds.
The Tripoli Court of Appeal's Fourteenth Criminal Division handed down the verdict on August 19, 2026. The court sentenced Mustafa to three years in prison, stripped him of his civil rights during the term of his sentence and for one year thereafter, but did not impose any criminal costs. The case was initiated through a public lawsuit filed by the Administrative Control Authority.
The Administrative Control Authority's statement confirmed that the court's decision was based on evidence and testimony. The Authority emphasized its commitment to combating corruption and protecting public funds. The case highlights the efforts of Libyan authorities to hold public officials accountable for financial irregularities.
Mustafa's case is one of several high-profile corruption cases in Libya. The country has been working to strengthen its institutions and combat corruption since the 2011 uprising. The Administrative Control Authority plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.
The verdict was welcomed by many Libyans, who see it as a step towards accountability and transparency. However, some have raised concerns about the prevalence of corruption in the country and the need for further reforms. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges Libya faces in addressing corruption and promoting good governance.
Key points
- The court found Mustafa guilty of misusing public funds and harming state assets.
- The case was brought against him by the Libyan Administrative Control Authority after investigations uncovered irregularities in the management of public funds and the use of official powers.
- The verdict was handed down on August 19, 2026, and Mustafa was sentenced to three years in prison.
