The court's appeals division also sentenced 14 other militants to life imprisonment on similar charges, which encompassed the destruction of police facilities and public property. Additionally, the court imposed prison terms ranging from three to 12 years on nine defendants, while five suspects were acquitted. The court did not provide further details on the proceedings.

The rise of ISIS and other groups took advantage of the turmoil that gripped Libya following the 2011 uprising, which led to the ousting and subsequent death of longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi. Taking advantage of the chaos, these groups seized control of various cities, including Gadhafi's birthplace, Sirte, and Derna in eastern Libya.

However, the tide turned against the militants when forces aligned with the former U.N.-backed Government of National Accord successfully expelled them from Sirte in December 2016. Subsequently, in a separate operation, forces loyal to east-based commander Khalifa Hifter reclaimed Derna two years later.

Despite these victories, many alleged former ISIS fighters remain detained in Libyan prisons, with numerous individuals awaiting trial. These incarcerations reflect ongoing efforts to address the threat posed by armed groups and maintain national security within Libya. (ILKHA)