Libya: Public flogging of a woman over 'adultery' charges sparks outrage - Sarmad

A video documenting the public execution of 100 lashes against a woman in the Libyan city of Sabha has sparked a wave of intense controversy and criticism on social media platforms, as well as among human rights and legal circles in the country.

The incident involved an officer from the judicial police in the region carrying out a court order issued by the Sabha South Criminal Court, which sentenced a woman to 100 lashes for an adultery-related offense in the city center. The video, which recorded the execution and was widely circulated on social media, captured the scene.

The incident drew widespread legal and human rights criticism. Activists and observers argued that the public nature of the punishment and the shaming of the accused violated regulations governing penalties, which mandate that executions be carried out within police facilities without any public display on streets. Questions and widespread condemnation also arose regarding the failure to punish her partner in the same manner.

The outpouring of anger prompted Libyan authorities to take action against those responsible. The Judicial Police under the Libyan government announced the suspension of all directly involved officials and their referral for investigation. Meanwhile, Libya’s Supreme Judicial Council pledged in a statement to investigate the circumstances and take necessary legal and administrative measures against anyone found responsible.