Libyan council approves appointment of new head judge

By Muhammad Artimah

TRIPOLI, Libya (AA) - The Libyan Supreme Council of State on Monday approved the appointment of the country’s new Supreme Court president.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Mohamed Abdel Nasser, the council’s spokesman, said: “During a plenary session of the council, the appointment of Abdullah Abu Raziza as president of the Supreme Court was approved by a majority of 64 votes out of 84 members.”

He pointed out that four members voted against the appointment, while 16 abstained from voting.

Abdel Nasser said that the General Assembly of the Supreme Court has contacted both the House of Representatives and the Supreme Council of State regarding the appointment of Abu Raziza.

After the Supreme Council's approval, the House of Representatives is yet to vote on Abu Raziza's appointment.

Article 15 of the 2015 Skhirat Political Agreement stipulates that both bodies should reach a consensus on appointment of officials for sovereign positions.

Abu Raziza has held many positions, including being a member of the Judicial Department of the Supreme Court and director of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Justice.

For months, the Libyan authorities have been making intensive efforts to unify public institutions as part of efforts to end an armed conflict that has lasted for years in the oil-rich country.​​​​​​​