The Libyan Intelligence Agency, led by Major General Hussein Al-Aib, has expressed surprise at demands for the release of Mohamed Bawandi, a citizen who was detained earlier on Tuesday. The agency stated that it had informed the Public Prosecutor's Office about Bawandi's detention and provided all relevant details and files. This comes after the Presidential Council's head, Mohamed Al-Menfi, tasked four agencies with taking urgent measures to secure Bawandi's release.
The Libyan Intelligence Agency emphasized that it operates within its legal and legislative powers, as part of a comprehensive plan to protect Libya's national security. The agency is working within the legal timeframe for investigations and evidence collection, with the aim of handing Bawandi over to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Bawandi's detention is part of an investigation into sensitive security matters.
The agency questioned the motives behind the demands for Bawandi's immediate release, suggesting that some parties may be trying to obstruct the investigation and bypass the judiciary and security institutions. The agency stressed that Bawandi's detention was not motivated by politics or personal targeting, but rather based on thorough security monitoring and evidence.
According to the agency, the investigation has uncovered extensive files and networks related to administrative and financial corruption, which have implications for national security, social and moral issues. The agency stated that it is working to dismantle these networks and bring those responsible to justice.
The Libyan Intelligence Agency criticized what it described as a "rush to judgment" and attempts to pressure the investigation, suggesting that some parties may be trying to conceal their own involvement. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to its professional duties, despite media and political pressure.
The detention of Bawandi has sparked controversy, with Presidential Council head Mohamed Al-Menfi accusing an "illegally funded and affiliated armed group" – apparently referring to the Libyan Intelligence Agency – of kidnapping and detaining Bawandi. Al-Menfi tasked four agencies with securing Bawandi's release and bringing those responsible to military justice.
Bawandi, who works in translation and entrepreneurship, was reportedly abducted by armed men in a white Hyundai Accent car while traveling in Tripoli. His family reported losing contact with him after the incident. The case has raised concerns about the rule of law and security in Libya.
Key points
- The Libyan Intelligence Agency has informed the Public Prosecutor's Office about Mohamed Bawandi's detention.
- The agency is working within its legal powers to investigate Bawandi's alleged involvement in corruption and security matters.
- The detention has sparked controversy, with the Presidential Council head accusing the agency of kidnapping and calling for Bawandi's immediate release.
