Tripoli, 3 June
A prominent group of Libyan lawyers has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to review the constitutionality of Law . . .[restrict]37, which criminalises both any glorification of Qaddafi and his regime as well as the publishing of news, propaganda or rumours which “harm the 17 February Revolution.”
In a brief statement, Lawyers for Justice in Libya (LFJL) noted that the Libyan Supreme Court’s 17 justices are beginning public hearings to review Law 37, in the light of National Transitional Council’s Constitutional Declaration of 3 August 2011.
Noting that this is the first time there has been a judicial review of a law passed by the NTC, LFJL director, Elham Saudi added: “This marks a unique opportunity for the judiciary in Libya to assert its independence and act in its capacity as a monitor of the powers of the lawmakers in the country. This is an opportunity for the judiciary to state clearly to all Libyans and to the world at large that the new Libya will be one where the rule of law is upheld, the separation of power is enforced and Libyans’ rights and freedoms are protected.”
For the controversial Law 37 to be upheld or struck down, nine judges will need to concur.
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