Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, criticized the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, including minors. He pointed out the seizure of vehicles and called for action against repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens. The Libyan Ministry of Interior pledged to combat smuggling, which has affected Tunisian traders amidst tightened measures against cross-border trade.
Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, has publicly denounced the ongoing detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, including two minors. He highlighted that Libyan authorities have confiscated more than 25 vehicles that were brought into Libya, with detainees currently held in a Tripoli prison.
Abdel Kabir urged both Tunisian and Libyan authorities to address these persistent issues and the so-called “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.” He noted a “shared failure” in managing border crossings and the need for efficient travel facilitation, emphasizing that “ordinary people are paying the price.”
The Ministry of Interior from the Government of National Unity has committed to intensified efforts against smuggling in all its forms to safeguard national economic interests and bolster public security. Previous actions included a five-year imprisonment sentence for a Libyan national involved in smuggling couscous, which led to public outcry and increased detention of Tunisian fuel smugglers, with intensified anti-smuggling regulations being reported in Tunisian media as impacting cross-border trade.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding the detention of Tunisians in Libya remains complex, with calls for both countries to address cross-border issues effectively. The continued efforts by the Libyan authorities against smuggling and the repercussions observed within the Tunisian economy further underscore the need for collaboration and solutions. The pressing implications for ordinary citizens and traders highlight the urgency of the matter.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
