Security Interventions Disrupt Ramadan Series in Libya: Controversy and Tension
The artistic scene in Libya is experiencing intense tension with the start of Ramadan series airing, as these works have witnessed unprecedented security interventions, leading to accusations against the series of insulting official institutions and public figures.
These interventions have sparked widespread debate about the limits of freedom of expression in the artistic field and the relationship between authority and creativity.
In a surprising development, security forces in the city of Benghazi arrested artist Faraj Abdul Karim after his appearance in a controversial dramatic scene in the series "Hadrasi 13".
This scene, deemed offensive to security personnel and the Ministry of Interior, provoked widespread anger, leading to the suspension of the series.
The episode also included criticisms of the living conditions in the city, prompting authorities to take action against the artistic work, which led to Abdul Karim retiring from art permanently after his release, sparking a wave of sympathy and criticism within artistic and human rights circles.
In another series, "Khallik Min Al-Kalam", the crew faced pressure from the Internal Security Agency in Ajdabiya, where they were forced to sign commitments after being accused of insulting the Ministry of Interior.
The series was halted for reasons described by many human rights activists and artists as violations of freedom of expression and artistic work, especially during the Ramadan month, which is considered the peak of artistic and media activity in the country.
The rapporteur of the National Human Rights Institution in Libya, Ahmed Hamza, criticized these measures, describing them as arbitrary, emphasizing that restricting freedom of opinion and expression is unjustified.
He stated that criticisms directed at the authorities should be treated as a legitimate right not punishable by law, considering these interventions a violation of human rights.
In the same context, the Actors' Syndicate in Benghazi confirmed that what Faraj Abdul Karim faced was due to a dramatic scene, calling for a better understanding of the artistic context of the work rather than interpreting it selectively.
Writer and novelist Mansour Bushnaf also reacted to these events, strongly criticizing the actions of the security forces and the arrests, considering that it limits artistic creativity.
Ramadan series in Libya enjoy significant viewership and have begun to address sensitive social and political issues through comedic language, placing them at the heart of a struggle between artistic creativity and censorship.
These issues raise questions about the future of art in Libya and the ability of artists to express community issues freely amid increasing censorship.
In conclusion, these security measures remain a topic of extensive debate, with some viewing them as necessary for protecting institutions, while others see them as a threat to freedom of expression and the right to creativity.
