The Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights has condemned the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya. Libyan authorities have also seized vehicles belonging to Tunisian traders. Both governments are urged to improve border management to prevent further impacts on ordinary citizens, as anti-smuggling efforts escalate in response to rising tensions.
Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, has criticized the detention of over 50 Tunisians, including two minors, by Libyan authorities. He reported that these individuals are being held in Tripoli, and more than 25 vehicles belonging to Tunisian traders have been seized.
Abdel Kabir urged both the Tunisian and Libyan governments to resolve ongoing issues, citing “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.” He pointed out a “shared failure” in managing border crossings and emphasized that ordinary citizens bear the burden of these complications.
In response, the Ministry of Interior of the Libyan Government of National Unity vowed to intensify its anti-smuggling efforts to protect the national economy and enhance public safety. Moreover, Tunisian authorities previously imposed a five-year prison sentence on a Libyan citizen for smuggling couscous, an action that led to increased detentions of Tunisian smugglers and stricter anti-smuggling protocols in the region.
In summary, the continued detention of Tunisians in Libya and the seizure of their properties underscores the complexities of cross-border trade. Mustafa Abdel Kabir’s criticisms highlight the need for cooperative governance to mitigate the impact of border management challenges on citizens. Furthermore, the Libyan government’s commitment to combating smuggling reflects the growing tensions and legal ramifications enveloping cross-border exchanges.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
