Earlier this month, on November 14, CNN published an exposé after receiving video footage of a migrant slave auction being held in Libya. The channel then traveled to the North African country to investigate further. The evidence filmed by CNN, who witnessed a dozen men being auctioned off for as little as $400 each, was handed over to Libyan authorities who promised to launch an investigation. However, on Tuesday (November 21), Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought help, asking “the international community to intensify in a spirit of responsibility and joint cooperation to assist Libya.” And on Thursday (November 23), it was reported that the Libyan Government of National Accord, which is backed by the United Nations, reiterated that sentiment, looking for assistance from both regional and global partners, stating, “everyone unanimously agreed that addressing this phenomenon exceeds the national capacities.”
While Donald Trump has yet to comment on the crisis, he tweeted on Saturday (November 25), discrediting CNN International as “fake news” (see it below).
This tweet has since been used by Libya broadcaster 218 TV to challenge CNN’s report and question the credibility of the video.
According to The Guardian, one story from 218 TV suggests that CNN’s reports are often written to “secure an as yet hidden political objective.” And reporter Jenan Moussa tweeted that the same article implies “legal steps could start to sue the channel (CNN) in international courts for its reports.”
Still, though Trump has yet to release a public statement, many celebrities have taken to social media to share their thoughts, begging for awareness and action from both the public and the President.
Cardi B
“What I’m trying to say is, the United Nations never minds their fucking business. They always on somebody’s business, some bullshit all the time. I don’t understand why they’re not making it their problem or priority to help what’s going on Libya. You wanna know why they’re not making it priority? Or, you wanna know why haven’t tried to help Libya? Because Libya has not had a President or any type of government running them for kind of a long time right now. Almost two years, right? And nobody cares. You wanna know why they don’t care? Because it’s convenient for them because they want free resources, they want their free goods, and that’s why they don’t give a fuck.”
T.I.
Chris Brown
LL Cool J
Common
La La
Pharrell
Questlove
Jill Scott
Nineteen85 (of dvsn)
Rapsody
Mick Jenkins
DeRay Davis
Cedric the Entertainer