A lawyer in Libya has filed a legal challenge against the decision by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, to impose a 27% tax on foreign currency sales in the country.
Abdel Hafeez Al-Sanousi, the plaintiff’s lawyer, stated that he has submitted an appeal before the Sebha Primary Court, contesting the legality of Saleh’s unilateral decision without the consensus of the other members of the parliament.
The court has set April 7th as the date for the hearing. Al-Sanousi expressed optimism about the outcome, anticipating that the judge will rule on the case during the first session, as the appeal was filed urgently given that the Central Bank of Libya has already implemented the decision.
“We are hopeful about the results of the lawsuit,” Al-Sanousi said, “and we expect a ruling to suspend the implementation of Aguila Saleh’s decision to impose the tax.”
The decision to tax foreign currency sales has sparked widespread controversy in Libya, facing backlash from various official bodies, individuals, and the general public, as the country grapples with an economic crisis and soaring prices.