Khaberni - The decision by the Public Morality Protection Agency of Eastern Libya, to ban content creators and business owners from filming or marketing any women's activities, has sparked widespread controversy in the country.
While many Libyans see it as a measure aimed at respecting customs and traditions, others consider it a new attempt to restrict women and confiscate their freedoms.
The Public Morality Protection Agency in Benghazi called on all business owners, especially shops selling cosmetics and women's clothing, beauty salons, women's sports facilities, and beauty resorts, including steam baths, skin cleansing and massage, to refrain from filming or publishing any advertising materials for activities and products or commercial establishments, unless prior permission is obtained.
"Maintaining public taste"
It was clarified in a statement last night, Sunday, that this measure aims to "maintain public taste and control what is published of visual content that may offend customs and traditions."
This decision was met with wide discussion on social media, where human rights activist Abeer Amnina warned against restricting or banning women's activities without a clear legal framework, considering the decision vague and opening the door to interpretations that may affect women's work fields in advertising, filming, and beautification.
Restriction on freedoms
She also stressed the need for the discussion to move from the sphere of security banning to the legal regulation of the work of advertising companies for both genders, pointing out the importance of raising fundamental questions about the tax and legal status of these activities, rather than focusing on measures that may be construed as restricting freedoms.
However, activist Belaid Belaid strongly supported the decision, considering the exploitation of women in advertising as an insult to women and society and an overstep of values, affirming that women are "gems and not commodities for sale".
Meanwhile, activist Abeer Al-Arabi believes that the terms used in the Public Morality Agency's decision, such as "public morals, customs and traditions, and indecency," are used by security agencies as a pretext to confiscate public and individual freedoms. He considered it "arbitrary and restrictive on the lives of individuals, especially women, and on commercial activities by an agency granted wide powers to exercise its moral guardianship over society."
Activist Milad Hammad pointed out that the decision to ban is necessary after the growing phenomenon of advertisements exploiting women and not aligning with Libyan society's customs and values, considering it the agency's right to preview the content of advertisements before their publication.
The decision to tighten control over promotional content for women came after widespread distribution of video clips on social media platforms, featuring advertisements for beauty products and clothing, which sparked controversy over their filming and content.
