Libya Judicial Police Suspends Officers Over Viral Video of Adultery Punishment in Sebha

Investigation Launched After Execution of Hadd Punishment Filmed and Shared on Social Media

Benghazi, July 23, 2026 — The Libyan Judicial Police Authority has suspended all officials directly responsible for filming and publishing the execution of a judicial punishment in the southern city of Sebha, according to an official statement released Thursday evening. The incident, which saw the Hadd punishment for adultery (100 lashes) administered publicly, sparked widespread controversy after video footage circulated on social media platforms.

Urgent Suspension and investigation

The Presidency of the Judicial Police Authority issued immediate administrative decisions placing all personnel linked to the incident on precautionary suspension, the authority confirmed in a statement. The case has been referred for both administrative and legal investigation.

A high-level investigative committee has been formed and tasked with clarifying all circumstances surrounding the incident and submitting a comprehensive report within 72 hours to determine responsibility. The review also includes a complete reassessment of procedures governing the execution of judicial rulings across all institutions under the authority.

Video Shows Public Execution of Sentence

The widely circulated video, reportedly filmed in Sebha, shows Judicial Police personnel carrying out the Hadd punishment for adultery — 100 lashes — on a woman in a public street. Social media users shared the footage extensively, prompting swift reactions from judicial and legal authorities.

The Judicial Police Authority stated that the video represents an incident under urgent investigation, stressing that no member is permitted to take actions or publish materials that violate official regulations and the chain of command. The authority emphasized it "will not allow practices outside its policy nor provide any cover for violators."

Supreme Judicial Council Weighs In

Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Judicial Council announced it had tasked the Inspection Department of Judicial Bodies with investigating the circumstances of filming and publishing the video documentation of the judicial ruling issued by one of the criminal circuit courts at the Sebha Court of First Instance.

The council's move signals concern at the highest levels of Libya's judiciary about the handling of the case and the implications of publicly broadcasting a Hadd punishment — a sensitive matter in Islamic jurisprudence that typically carries strict guidelines about documentation and publicity.

Commitment to Institutional Discipline

In its statement, the Judicial Police Authority underscored that its ongoing project is built on rebuilding the institution on professional and regulatory foundations. The authority committed to strengthening discipline and unifying decision-making processes, aligning with the General Command's approach of building strong institutions governed by law, free from individual interpretations.

The rapid response from both the Judicial Police Authority and the Supreme Judicial Council reflects a concerted effort to address the matter through formal channels rather than allowing public controversy to escalate further. The 72-hour deadline set for the investigation committee indicates urgency in reaching conclusions and implementing any necessary corrective measures.

Context of Hadd Punishments in Libya

Libya's legal system incorporates elements of both civil law and Sharia, with Hadd punishments — fixed penalties for specific offenses under Islamic law — remaining on the books. However, the public documentation and broadcast of such punishments have been rare in modern practice, making this case particularly notable.

Legal experts note that while the sentences themselves are matters of established jurisprudence, the manner of their execution and especially the documentation and distribution of footage raise separate legal and ethical questions about privacy, dignity, and compliance with standard operating procedures.

The investigation's outcome is expected to clarify not only individual accountability but also establish clearer protocols for how judicial punishments are carried out and documented going forward.

— Libya Press / News Desk