Armed forces associated with the GNA shot at the demonstrators, causing injuries.[5] The Interior Ministry stated that demonstrators had the right to peacefully protest and that the ministry had opened criminal investigations into the shootings. The Tripoli Protection Force also declared its support for the right of citizens to carry out street protests.[1] The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) also called for an investigation.[5] Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha criticised the gunmen, stating that live ammunition was used "indiscriminately", and that the gunmen had kidnapped demonstrators and "[sowed] panic among the population and [threatened] security and public order".[6]