Interior Ministry delegates moral policing to RADA

The Government of National Unity’s Interior Ministry announced Thursday that the RADA Special Deterrence Forces, primarily known for counterterrorism operations, will now oversee moral policing duties in Tripoli, marking a significant shift in law enforcement policy.

A senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to discuss the matter publicly, told the Libyan Express that the initiative aims to “preserve public morality and combat negative phenomena in Tripoli.” The official emphasised that the force would enforce regulations “in accordance with Islamic law.”

The Special Deterrence Force, which has historically focused on combating terrorism and organised crime, will add moral policing to its portfolio of responsibilities.

This expansion of duties has prompted debate among security experts about the unit’s preparedness for this new role.

The reintroduction of moral policing, which was largely disbanded following the 2011 revolution that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, has divided public opinion.

Religious conservatives and traditional community leaders have endorsed the move as necessary for maintaining social values. However, civil rights advocates warn it could potentially infringe on personal freedoms, particularly in a country still grappling with political instability.

Moral police units have only operated sporadically in post-revolution Libya during specific circumstances, making this announcement a notable departure from recent practice.

The Interior Ministry has not yet released detailed guidelines about how the Special Deterrence Force will implement these new responsibilities or what specific behaviours will fall under their jurisdiction.