TRIPOLI: Libya’s national assembly voted yesterday to make Shariah, Islamic law, the basis of all legislation and for state institutions in a decision that may impact banking, criminal and financial laws.
Two years after the Nato-backed uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is still in messy transition with no new constitution and its temporary assembly caught in deadlock between an Islamist party and political rivals.
As in Tunisia and Egypt where autocratic leaders were ousted in the Arab Spring revolts, Libya has seen fierce debate over the role of Islam in its new democracy with the rise of Islamists long oppressed by Gaddafi.
“Islamic law is the source of legislation in Libya,” the GNC said in a statement after the vote. “All state institutions need to comply with this.”
The Muslim Brotherhood’s Justice and Construction party is one of the most well-organised forces in Libya and promotes Islamic law. reuters
