Libya’s Minister of Interior, Imad Trabelsi, suffered a fall from his horse during a public equestrian festival, the Ministry of Interior confirmed late Thursday.
Despite the incident, officials reported that his condition remains stable.
The incident occurred during a widely attended event, where Minister Trabelsi attempted to showcase his horsemanship.
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment his horse stumbled, causing him to fall to the ground amidst a crowd of spectators. Assistants rushed to his aid as onlookers reacted in shock.
Footage also showed ambulances arriving at the scene to transport the minister to the hospital for precautionary medical examinations.
Concerns Over Safety and Organization
The festival, inaugurated Wednesday by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, has drawn sharp criticism over its organization and safety protocols.
The event witnessed a series of mishaps, including injuries to several spectators.
Supporters reportedly breached the track during a race, resulting in collisions with galloping horses.
One incident involved a high-speed horse crashing into a group of spectators, leading to the animal’s fall and injuring its rider.
These chaotic scenes sparked heated debate online, with many users pointing fingers at poor event management.
“The lack of proper organization is unacceptable for such a public event,” one commenter wrote.
Others, however, blamed the crowd’s behavior, citing reckless actions and a disregard for safety measures.
Calls for Accountability
The controversies surrounding the festival highlight broader concerns about public event planning and safety enforcement in Libya.
As the festival was meant to celebrate Libya’s equestrian heritage, the incidents have cast a shadow over what was intended to be a unifying cultural occasion.
Authorities have yet to comment on whether measures will be introduced to prevent such occurrences in future events.
For now, Minister Trabelsi’s recovery remains the primary concern, as the government faces mounting public scrutiny.
