The Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights has called for the release of 120 Tunisian nationals detained in Libya, many on what it describes as “trivial or fabricated charges.” According to the observatory’s president, Mostafa Abdelkebir, these individuals entered Libya legally for work or family visits and have no links to extremist activities.
Abdelkebir highlighted that some detainees have received prison sentences ranging from one to five years for minor infractions, including workplace disputes or lacking medical certificates.
He also noted instances where detainees were allegedly coerced into paying bribes or faced unfounded customs charges. The observatory is urging Tunisian authorities to coordinate with their Libyan counterparts to secure the release of these individuals, especially those who have served at least half of their sentences.
Concerns have been raised about the harsh conditions in Libyan detention facilities, exacerbated by extreme temperatures during both summer and winter.
In addition to the 120 detainees, Abdelkebir mentioned that 32 Tunisian women and children, family members of former ISIS fighters, remain in Libyan custody since 2016. Despite previous repatriation efforts, these individuals have yet to be returned to Tunisia.
The observatory’s appeal comes amid broader concerns about the treatment of Tunisian nationals in Libyan prisons and the need for enhanced diplomatic engagement to address these humanitarian issues. The situation underscores the complexities of Tunisian-Libyan relations, particularly in matters concerning legal and human rights.
This development has prompted calls for increased cooperation between Tunisian and Libyan authorities to ensure the fair treatment and timely release of detainees, reflecting a commitment to upholding human rights and strengthening bilateral ties.
