The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, has paid tribute to the late Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad, describing him as a patriot dedicated to the unification of the armed forces and the integrity of the nation. Speaking on the mysterious circumstances of the fatal crash, Saleh adopted a cautious tone, stating that whether the aircraft “fell or was downed” remains unknown. He insisted that the parliament would refrain from levelling accusations until the “truth is born from the investigation,” noting that the Prosecutor General has been formally tasked with providing a definitive report.
Saleh voiced significant concern over the refusal of French authorities to release the black box for analysis, noting that as the country of manufacture, France’s stance—coupled with a reported German apology for not assisting—raises “bewilderment and suspicion.” He emphasised that the case is being handled as a formal criminal investigation led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, rejecting the use of improvised committees in favour of high-level judicial and technical expertise.
While acknowledging that the political implications are being monitored by government officials, Saleh underscored that the criminal inquiry must remain independent and expedited, given that the loss occurred on foreign soil. He concluded by affirming that the House of Representatives would maintain constant oversight of the case until every detail of the disaster is uncovered and justice is served for the fallen military commanders.