Libyan comedian Mustafa Baraka killed while filming Tripoli clashes on Instagram

 

Libyan comedian Mustafa Baraka killed while filming Tripoli clashes on Instagram

The story of one of the victims, Mustafa Baraka, has attracted Libyans' attention in the wake of conflict that occurred over the weekend in the nation's capital Tripoli.

 

The well-known Libyan comedian Baraka was well-known on social media for making fun of the country's officials and militias for being dishonest and engaged in continual conflict. He had featured on television and was well-liked there.

 

When the battles arrived in his Tripoli neighbourhood on Saturday, Baraka decided to document the events to his followers on Instagram and went live.

 

“One last picture before I die,” Baraka told his followers.

 

Baraka was later shot by a stray bullet in the chest, leading to his death.

 

The violence resulted in 32 fatalities and 159 injuries, according to the Libyan health ministry on Sunday.

 

Health officials are pleading for a ceasefire so that people can be evacuated and that the injured can receive safe passage to treatment. Gunfights between militias supporting the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and those loyal to rival Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha are endangering the civilian population.

 

Since Bashagha was chosen as prime minister in February by the Tobruk-based eastern parliament, tensions have been on the rise as Prime Minister Abdul Hamid al-Dabaiba of the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) has refused to relinquish control.

 

The GNU says it has taken control of the capital after the worst fighting in two years.