Haftar will tighten political space in eastern Libya

Significance

She had openly accused members of eastern Libyan leader Khalifa Haftar’s family of corruption the day before. The incident is a reminder not only that security challenges remain in the city but also that those who criticise the status quo there can be targeted for abduction and assassination.

Impacts

• The assassination challenges Haftar’s narrative that Benghazi is safe under his forces’ control.
• Such incidents may deter foreign investors currently being courted for reconstruction efforts.
• Barassi’s slaying will further shrink the space for critical civil society voices in eastern Libya.
• Killing women is a particular taboo in Libya and the fact that her tribe could not protect her suggests the breakdown of social norms.