Tripoli witnessed tragic events on Friday evening following the football match between Ahli Tripoli and Suwaihli at the Tripoli International Stadium. Celebratory atmosphere abruptly devolved into chaos and panic when a police car rammed into a number of fans, resulting in casualties and injuries. Official sources have remained silent regarding the final toll of the incident.
Eyewitnesses reported that a police vehicle suddenly drove into a fan gathering after the match concluded, running over several young people and triggering widespread fear and disorder at the scene.
As of yet, neither the Ministry of Health nor the Ministry of Interior has released official figures on the number of injured individuals.
Activists on social media circulated video clips documenting the moment of the vehicle intrusion, while gunfire was reportedly heard in the stadium’s surrounding area, further escalating tension and anger among people.
Numerous activists have placed blame on the Ministry of Interior and the Government of National Unity, demanding an urgent investigation and accountability for those involved in the deadly events.
In response, the Ministry of Interior swiftly issued an official statement announcing the launch of an immediate investigation into the incident.
The ministry affirmed that the acting Minister of Interior had issued directives to impound the vehicle and apprehend its driver, vowing to take legal measures against them. It maintained that the incident was an individual act that does not reflect the ministry’s approach or policies.
The statement further claimed that the incident occurred in the context of some fans assaulting police patrols, and that security personnel were attempting to leave the site and avoid escalation, reiterating its commitment to legal and humanitarian standards in the performance of its duties.
In the aftermath of the incident, Member of Parliament Rabiaa Bouras called for the suspension of all sports and entertainment activities in the country until a safe environment that respects human dignity and rights is guaranteed.
She stated that stadiums should be arenas of joy, expression, and safety, not fields of fear and repression.
Bouras added that what happened cannot be considered an individual violation but rather a dangerous indicator of the absence of a minimum level of safety in public spaces, warning against the continuation of sports events as if nothing had happened, while people’s lives are openly threatened.
Bouras concluded her statement by emphasizing that there is no sport without security, and no security without accountability, urging all relevant authorities to bear their responsibilities in protecting citizens and holding accountable anyone proven to be involved in violating their rights or endangering their lives.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as public opinion demands official clarification regarding the final number of victims and injuries, and the immediate accountability of those responsible.