Dozens of protesters stormed the parliament building in Tobruk, eastern Libya. Local media reports that security forces protecting the building have withdrawn.

Demonstrators set fires in front of parliament, calling for its dissolution and the calling of presidential and parliamentary elections before the end of the year, a statement read. Protests were also held in Tripoli, Misrata and Seba.

Protesters in Tobruk broke into the building, destroyed it inside and set it on fire outside, local media reported, protesting worsening living conditions and political paralysis. Demonstrators called for the dissolution of parliament and the calling of presidential and parliamentary elections by the end of the year.

Negotiations on the constitution in Geneva and elections between Tobruk Parliament President Aguila Salih and Tripoli High Council of State Khalid El-Meshri were fruitless. The political deadlock – typified by the months-long presence of two governments led by Abdel Hamid Dbeiba and Fathi Bashaga – has worsened the economic crisis, while the blockade of some oil terminals continues.