The interior minister of the east-based parallel government, Ibrahim Boushnaf, has ordered an investigation into the alleged accusations regarding rape cases against some women in Benghazi, involving individuals and entities affiliated with the ministry.

On Friday, Boushnaf assigned the director of the so-called criminal investigation service, Salah Howeidi, to investigate the incidents, which sparked widespread controversy and anger in Benghazi, stating that everyone who is proven involved in these incidents will be summoned and referred to the public prosecution.

Several widows of Haftar's militias spoke out in a video with the attorney Hanan Al-Barasi, during which they confirmed they had been assaulted and raped by security personnel in Benghazi.

Earlier, several women have said that they were harassed and blackmailed by military officials of Haftar's forces while demanding the salaries and dues of their relatives who were killed while fighting with Haftar in his war on Tripoli.