Rights groups lambast Libyan Interior Minister for discriminating against women

Libya’s interior ministry based in Tripoli sparked rights groups’ outcry when he unveiled a plan to install morality police that would enforce Hijab for women.

The interior minister announced that patrols would start next month to ensure women wear “descent clothing,” prevent gender mixing in public spaces, and target young men with “strange” haircuts.

He also required women should have male guardians if they wish to travel within the country, in a move seen by rights group as discriminatory and restrictive of the freedom of movement.

“The Minister of Interior’s threats to crack down on fundamental freedoms in the name of ‘morality’ are a dangerous escalation in the already suffocating levels of repression facing those in Libya not adhering to dominant social norms,” Amnesty International said.

“Proposals to impose compulsory veiling on women and girls as young as nine, restrict interactions between men and women, and police young people’s personal choices with regards to hairstyles and clothing are not only deeply alarming, but also violate Libya’s obligations under international law,” it said.