Mustafa Abdel Kabir, Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, criticized the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, including minors. He raised concerns over vehicle seizures and called for action to address these issues. The Libyan Ministry of Interior has promised to combat smuggling. Recent legal actions against smugglers have intensified cross-border tensions between Tunisia and Libya.
Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, has expressed concern regarding the ongoing detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, which includes two minors. He reported on the confiscation of more than 25 vehicles by Libyan authorities and indicated that these detainees are currently incarcerated in a Tripoli prison. Abdel Kabir urged both Tunisian and Libyan authorities to address these issues, emphasizing what he referred to as “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.”
Abdel Kabir pointed out a “shared failure” in managing border crossings and implementing measures that could improve travel for citizens, stressing that “ordinary people are paying the price.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior of the Libyan Government of National Unity has committed to intensifying efforts against smuggling, aiming to uphold the national economy and enhance public safety.
Additionally, recent events have fueled tensions, as Tunisian authorities previously sentenced a Libyan individual to five years in prison for smuggling 150 kilograms of couscous. This incident incited public outrage and resulted in a surge in the detention of Tunisian fuel smugglers, leading to stricter anti-smuggling regulations characterized by Tunisian media as a crackdown on cross-border trade.
In conclusion, the ongoing detention of Tunisians in Libya highlights the critical need for improved management of border policies. The responses from both the Tunisian and Libyan authorities demonstrate the complexities involved in addressing smuggling issues while safeguarding the rights of individuals. The current situation emphasizes the significance of regional cooperation to enhance security and facilitate fair trade practices.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
