LIBYA: Mayor kidnapped, killed in Misrata

 Unknown gunmen have killed the mayor of Libya’s port city of Misrata after reportedly chasing his car and kidnapping him. Mayor Mohamad Eshtewi’s body was found dumped in the street not long after returning to the city from an official visit to Turkey. Libya’s third-largest city is reputed to be safer and more stable than […]

 Unknown gunmen have killed the mayor of Libya’s port city of Misrata after reportedly chasing his car and kidnapping him.

Mayor Mohamad Eshtewi’s body was found dumped in the street not long after returning to the city from an official visit to Turkey.

Libya’s third-largest city is reputed to be safer and more stable than most in the conflict-ridden country.

But the mayor had faced growing opposition earlier this year.

Diplomats have condemned the killing. Ghassan Salame, special representative to Libya’s UN mission (UNSMIL), said he felt “deep grief”.

Mr Eshtewi was abducted by unknown assailants after leaving the airport in the city.

A Libyan official, Abubakr Alhraish, said the mayor had chosen not to have his usual protection.