Central Libyan town bans sale of Labubus

Authorities in Sabha, a town in the desert center of Libya, seized and destroyed an unknown number of the popular Labubus dolls, considering them a "negative" commercial phenomenon and in contrast to Islamic moral values.

According to The Libya Observer, the operation was accompanied by a notice prohibiting traders from selling and importing the dolls, under penalty of legal action in case of violations. So far, however, there is no news of nationwide action against the Labubus monsters in Libya.

Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, the dolls are produced by Chinese company Pop Mart and have become a global phenomenon in recent months, especially among young adults who use them as keychains and bag accessories.

The little monsters are characterized by sharp teeth, big eyes and long ears and also have versions inspired by pop culture characters.

Libya is one of the largest countries in Africa and has been fragmented among militias since 2011, after the fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

One part of the country, including Sabha, is ruled by a national unity government based in the capital Tripoli and recognized by the UN, while the other is controlled by forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.