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Libyan public opinion has been shaken in recent hours after a leaked video circulated from inside a private clinic in the capital, Tripoli.
The footage showed the bodies of newborn babies and amputated human organs stored frozen in a refrigerator, prompting the relevant authorities to open urgent investigations.
According to the circulated footage, the bodies of newborn babies and human organs wrapped in plastic bags were shown stored frozen inside the clinic.
In one of the clips, the body of a fully formed newborn infant was clearly visible, bearing signs of freezing, raising suspicions on social media about the possibility of illegal activity or a crime. This has been met with public calls for an “urgent and transparent” investigation to uncover the full truth and hold those responsible accountable.
After the video spread, additional clips circulated on social media showing security forces raiding the clinic and cordoning it off.
This was accompanied by reports that it had been temporarily closed pending the completion of investigations and the necessary procedures.
In response to the circulating claims, the management of the “Tulip” clinic said in a statement issued Wednesday that the body shown in the footage belongs to a baby who died during childbirth to a mother of African nationality.
It added that the child’s father was officially informed of the death but refused to take the body, which required it to be kept frozen “to prevent decomposition” until legal procedures were completed.
The clinic said it had notified the relevant police station and the concerned embassy, and that the incident is documented in its official records.
Regarding the amputated parts shown in the clips, the clinic said that the relevant laws and regulations require clinics to retain any amputated parts and hand them over to their owner for burial. If a patient refuses to receive it, the clinic added, “it is not permissible to dispose of it” except with an authorization allowing it to be sent to an incinerator.
The clinic’s management also said it has begun taking legal action against whoever filmed these materials without permission, leaked and published them, or made what it described as false accusations that harm its reputation.
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