Libyan Court Sentences 12 Officials for Dam Collapse

A Libyan court has sentenced 12 officials to prison terms between nine and 27 years for their roles in the catastrophic collapse of two dams in Derna, which resulted in over 4,000 deaths and left more than 8,000 people missing after Storm Daniel struck in September 2023. The convicted officials faced charges of negligence, premeditated murder, and waste of public resources, with three ordered to return money from illicit gains. The failure of the dams was attributed to outdated design, poor maintenance, and a decade of conflict in Libya, leading to significant flooding that devastated the city. Four other individuals were acquitted during the trial. The disaster has prompted public outrage, culminating in violent protests against local authorities. An international report estimated that $1.8 billion is needed for recovery efforts in the area.