There are reports of some people occupying the beaches of Benghazi in Libya and extorting fees to citizens who go to the shores for relaxation despite the locations being public precincts.
In response to complaints about individuals exploiting the public beaches and waterfronts in Libya by charging entry fees or renting out umbrellas and shacks, authorities in Benghazi have stepped in to clear the rogues that treat the shores as their own private properties.
The Chief of Staff of the ground forces of the Libyan National Army, and commander of the Tariq Ben Zeyad Brigade, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, has issued clear instructions for all the rogues to evacuate the beaches.
“All unauthorized operators should move out of the beaches and ensure that the shorelines remain open and free for all citizens to move in and out unhampered,” declared Lieutenant General Khalifa Haftar.
Haftar emphasized that public beaches are national property and must not be monopolized by individuals, traders or businesspersons and certainly not to be used for personal profit.
He insisted that the law will be strictly enforced, and firm legal action will be taken against anyone found guilty of exploiting these public spaces or imposing fees on the public.
Located on the Gulf of Sidra in the Mediterranean, Benghazi is the second-most-populous city in Libya as well as the largest city in Cyrenaica, with an estimated population of 860,000.
Benghazi strides beautiful Mediterranean coastline, featuring a great space for people to relax and have fun on the beaches with popular options including, Hawari, the family-friendly beach boasting clear waters.
There is also the Sidi Khalifa Beach, with real soft sand (like talcum powder) which is less crowded and located at a location ideal for tranquility and sunbathing.
Meanwhile in another development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Eastern region government of Libya has summoned the Greek Consul in Benghazi to officially protest against the recent statements from the latter’s country.
It is being reported that the Greece’s Foreign Minister recently made a declaration to start issuing exploration licenses in the disputed Mediterranean waters south of Crete, terming the move as Athens’ decision.
This follows a similar move by the Western region based government, with both Libyan sides condemning Greece’s actions as violations of Libya’s maritime sovereignty.
Athens is however yet to officially respond to Libya regarding the recently raised matter.