The Libyan eastern-based government led by Osama Hamad has officially banned all celebrations of New Year’s Eve, including the sale and importation of related goods such as Christmas trees, Santa Claus figurines, and crosses, Al Sharq Al Awsat reported on December 15.

The controversial decision has sparked widespread criticism in several parts of the country. Some local media pointed to the emergence of conservative Islam in the war-torn country. 

As part of the directive, the Criminal Investigation Agency prevented the entry, sale, or display of New Year’s-related items. The municipal guard in Benghazi launched a crackdown on shops selling toys, decorations, and other festive items, confiscating goods deemed to violate religious principles and contradict what the officials called the country’s Islamic values.

The decision comes amid ongoing political and societal tensions in Libya. Hamad's government in the east has faced criticism for its increasingly conservative measures, following a recent announcement by the rival government in Tripoli, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, about plans to reactivate the morality police.

Dbeibah’s government justified the move by citing concerns over "the spread of behaviours contrary to Libyan societal values" in public spaces and on social media.

Libya is divided between two rival administrations governing the east and west of the country. Hamad’s government, based in the east, is backed by the House of Representatives and the Libyan National Army (LNA) under Khalifa Haftar. In contrast, Dbeibah’s government in the West holds international recognition but has struggled to assert full control amidst the ongoing political fragmentation.