Second Group of Tunisians released from detention in Libya, says Rights Observatory Head

The head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mustafa Abdelkabir, has confirmed on December 17 the release of a second group of Tunisian nationals detained in Libya, who had been held for over two weeks on charges related to customs violations. These infractions stemmed from transporting goods in quantities exceeding the legally permitted limits.

Abdelkabir stated that a total of 18 detainees have now been released, marking significant progress in addressing the matter. However, 12 additional individuals remain in custody, and are scheduled to appear before Libyan courts on Thursday, December 19 to resolve their cases.

According to Abdelkabir, the violations were customs-related and did not justify imprisonment under normal circumstances. Instead, those found guilty faced a series of penalties, including the confiscation of goods, seizure of vehicles, and fines of up to 4,000 Libyan dinars (approximately $820 USD) per person. He emphasized that these fines, though steep, are consistent with Libyan customs regulations for such offenses.

Highlighting the broader context of the situation, Abdelkabir called for improvements in the operational efficiency of border crossings between Tunisia and Libya. He noted that lengthy wait times and bureaucratic bottlenecks often exacerbate tensions and contribute to incidents like these.

Furthermore, Abdelkabir stressed the need for mutual respect and bilateral cooperation between Tunisian and Libyan authorities to address cross-border challenges effectively. He underlined the importance of streamlined customs procedures and clearer communication to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the fair treatment of citizens traveling between the two nations.

The release of the detainees has been welcomed as a positive development, though Abdelkabir urged all parties involved to work towards long-term solutions that would protect the rights of individuals while respecting the regulations of each country. The Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights continues to monitor the situation closely, offering support to the families of those still awaiting legal proceedings and advocating for their swift release.