A highly contentious derby match between Libyan football clubs Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad was halted due to violent incidents on June 18, 2025. The Portuguese referee Fábio José Costa was injured by a substitute protesting a goal, leading to the referee and his assistants leaving the pitch amid fan invasions and clashes. Following the suspension, supporters of Al-Ahly Tripoli set fire to an Al-Ittihad team bus and a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Interior under the government of Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. Security forces reportedly fired live ammunition at Al-Ahly fans near the Derna Bridge in Tripoli. The Libyan Football Federation announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate the events, but Al-Ahly Tripoli refused to participate in any further league matches until the matter is resolved. Subsequent protests by Al-Ittihad fans targeted the club's management and the Dbeibeh government, including road blockades and arson attacks on the Libyan Football Federation headquarters. Separately, political activist Abdulmunim El-Meriami died on July 4, 2025, after sustaining serious injuries from an internal bleeding incident following his detention by Tripoli Internal Security Forces and transfer to the Public Prosecutor's office. Authorities reported that El-Meriami fell from the third floor of the prosecutor's building, an account disputed by his family and lawyer. His death sparked widespread protests and calls for a transparent and independent investigation, with the United Nations urging Libyan authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry. The incident has intensified political tensions, with opposition figures holding the Dbeibeh government responsible for El-Meriami's death.