Twelve Libyan officials were convicted and sentenced for their involvement in a disaster that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and extensive damage to eastern Libya, as confirmed by the country’s chief prosecutor.
The catastrophe, triggered by the collapse of two dams following heavy rainfall from a major storm in September last year, devastated the seaside city of Derna and its surrounding areas. The official death toll stands at 4,352, with over 8,000 individuals still missing, presumed to have been swept out to sea.
The impact of the disaster was widespread, affecting approximately 1.5 million people, which accounts for 22% of Libya’s population. The World Bank, European Union, and United Nations reported that nearly 45,000 individuals were displaced, and around 18,500 homes, constituting 7% of the country’s housing stock, were damaged or destroyed.
According to a statement from the office of Libya’s attorney general, the convicted officials were responsible for managing the country’s dams. While specific charges were not disclosed, reports indicated that individuals including the general manager of a government fund tasked with Derna’s reconstruction, the former mayor of Derna, and a Central Bank employee were among those convicted.
The court imposed fines and prison sentences ranging from nine to 27½ years on the convicted individuals, with some required to repay funds acquired through illicit means. Additionally, the statement mentioned that four defendants were acquitted.
Despite the convictions, many Libyans expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of accountability at the higher levels of government. Criticisms were directed towards the political elite for years of corruption, neglect, and mismanagement that contributed to the disaster and hampered the recovery efforts.
Reconstruction efforts in the affected areas have been slow, with a significant portion of the displaced population still residing in temporary shelters or without homes to return to, even eleven months after the tragic event.
Reporting contributed by Islam Al-Atrash from Tripoli, Libya.
