Abdul-Jalil later suspended the six representatives to the NTC from Benghazi, the main city in eastern Libya. They can continue to serve only if approved by the local city council.

He also said he appointed a council of religious leaders to investigate corruption charges and identify people with links to the Gadhafi regime.

The body’s deputy head, Abdel-Hafiz Ghoga, resigned in protest over the suspensions. Ghoga, known for his polished language and expensive suits, was a prominent spokesman during the eight-month civil war that ended with Gadhafi’s capture and killing in October.

Another delegate, Fathi Baja, called the move “illegitimate” and said he would stand down only if the people of Benghazi asked him to. Baja, a well known critic of Gadhafi even before the uprising, also criticized the appointment of religious leaders, saying that when he was criticizing Gadhafi, “they were calling on people to obey the leader.”