Chairman of the League of Libya's Ulema (Clerics) Omer Mawlood said Monday the statement of the league which accused Grand Mufti Sadiq Al-Garyani of inciting violence between Libyans does not represent the league.

Sheikh Mawlood clarified that the statement was issued by members of the league in the eastern Libyan city of Bayda.

"The Facebook page of the league, which posted the statement, is under their control and they banned other members from accessing it," he said, adding that the eastern members have started speaking on behalf of other members without their consent.

"They speak as they want without coordination," he indicated.

Sheikh Mawlood also said that the statement is rejected in form and content, pointing out that many members rejected using their names in the statement without their approval.

"We respect the Grand Mufti and we are aware of his responsibility before God, our society and the Muslim world," he concluded.

Last week, the eastern branch of the League of Libya's Ulema accused Grand Mufti Sheikh Sadiq Al-Gharyani of inciting violence following his call to fight Khalifa Haftar militia groups in Benghazi.

The League of Libya's Ulema, which carries Ashʿari and Sufi theologies, has been split into west and east like other institutions in the country. The website of the league and affiliated social media pages are managed by the eastern branch. Libya's ambassador to the UAE Aref Nayad, a strong supporter of Khalifa Haftar and Tobruk Parliament, is also a key member of the league.

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