The Police in the Sabha City of Libya recently unleashed a through operation and confiscated the popular ‘Labubu’ dolls from each and every shop and stores in the municipality before setting the toys ablaze.
Why are the Libyan City police destroying the Labubu dolls?
Authorities in Sabha have been describing the famous wide-eyed toys as a harmful trend that violates social and Islamic morals.
They have also warned merchants against selling the dolls in the city, stressing that offenders found selling or owning the dolls could face legal action.
Labubu is a line of collectible plush toys created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung and which has been popular in various parts of the world.
Sabha is one of the Libyan districts located near the center of the country within the Fezzan region. The city of Sabha serves as its capital.
Sabha is a city known for its strategic importance and cultural diversity. As a major hub in the Fezzan region
But why the sudden animosity against these innocent dolls?
Labubu is part of a group of fantasy creatures known as ‘The Monsters.’ This tribe includes other characters like Zimomo, Mokoko, and Tycoco.
Every version of Labubu features a different outfit, expression, or accessory, which makes each toy in the collection one-of-a-kind.
The toy series features zoomorphic elves with exaggerated facial expressions, of which the central figure is Labubu, a monster with sharp teeth, large ears and a scruffy appearance.
Labubus have a wild and playful look, with big, wide eyes.
They also have a fuzzy body and a toothy grin made up of nine visible teeth.
The character first appeared in a Nordic-style picture book created by artist Kasing Lung. After its popularity grew, Pop Mart launched the first official toy collection in 2019.
Since then, each new release has added to the hype.
Labubu dolls are sold in blind boxes, meaning fans never know which version they’ll get until they open the package.
This element of surprise has added to the excitement and made them highly collectible. Although retail prices usually range from under USD 25 to USD 100, rare editions can sell for hundreds of dollars on resale markets.