Benghazi, Libya – Marie Al-Dressi, the former Secretary General of the Libyan Red Crescent Society (LRCS), was officially removed from his position amidst troubling allegations of financial corruption and misconduct, The Libya Update has learned.
According to high-level sources within the LRCS, Mr. Al-Dressi is facing accusations of embezzlement, misuse of public and organizational funds, and improper conduct. He has reportedly evaded investigative efforts and recently made inflammatory public accusations that sources characterize as distractions from the misconduct allegations.
The decision to dismiss Mr. Al-Dressi was taken at a special LRCS general assembly meeting held in Benghazi on August 26th, 2023, which was attended by 36 of the organization’s 38 branches. The motion to remove the former Secretary General and establish accountability committees was approved unanimously.
Audit documents from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies first cited potential fraud and corruption violations by Mr. Al-Dressi, triggering the internal investigation.
The LRCS has now appointed Mr. Omar Budabus as the new Secretary General. Sources state the organization remains committed to serving vulnerable populations across Libya impartially and with integrity.
Mr. Al-Dressi could not be reached for comment. He continues to face calls to cease spreading unsubstantiated claims as he faces the corruption and misconduct allegations in his former leadership role.