Khalifa-Haftar-affiliated Awliya Al-Dam (Blood Owners) Brigade went to Derna city and burned campaign photos for "Emaar" (Construction) list, which is running for the city's municipal council elections.
In an escalating speech, members of the Brigade announced their objection to the Electoral Commission's acceptance of the nomination of Emaar’s list despite the fact that they had submitted appeals against it in earlier times.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the burning of the electoral campaign photos also took place in the presence of vehicles bearing the emblem of the 166 Battalion - Ajdabiya, which is directly affiliated with what is known as the “General Command” under Haftar and is tasked with securing Derna.
As the riots escalated, the city's Internal Security Apparatus arrested the Head of the Emaar list, Talal Al-Hanshir, and forced him to sign a pledge to withdraw from the electoral race. Al-Hanshir was then released.
Meanwhile, the Association of Civil Society Organizations in Derna denounced the incident, describing it as sabotage, and calling for adherence to laws.
In late July, Derna Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal rejected appeals against the "Emaar" list.
