On Wednesday, Libya’s Law Enforcement Administration, affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, confirmed the release of Libyan citizen Wasim Mohammed Shakma by Tunisian authorities. His release followed ongoing diplomatic efforts between Libya and Tunisia to ensure the legal rights of Libyan nationals detained abroad.
Shakma had been sentenced to five years in prison by a Tunisian court for transporting food products, specifically couscous, across the border.
After completing his sentence, he was handed over to Libyan authorities at the Ras Ajdir border crossing, where he was received by officials from the Law Enforcement Administration and the Border Security Directorate. The process was carried out under the directives of Libya’s Interior Minister, Emad Al-Trabelsi.
This comes just a day after three other Libyan nationals were released from Tunisian custody after being sentenced to two years in prison for possession of food supplies, specifically pasta. Those released include Hamza Bashir Ali Karim, Alaa Khalifa Mohammed Ali, and Ramadan Abdul Salam Ramadan Al-Toumi.
The Ministry of Interior in Libya has been in continuous dialogue with Tunisian authorities to address legal concerns involving Libyan citizens, ensuring that cases involving border trade and transport are handled through diplomatic channels.
The incidents highlight the complex relationship between Libya and Tunisia regarding border regulations, trade restrictions, and enforcement policies. While Tunisia enforces strict trade laws, Libya continues to push for fair treatment of its nationals involved in cross-border commerce.
With economic interdependence between the two countries, coordinated efforts remain essential to avoid further legal disputes and disruptions in trade. Libya has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring its citizens’ legal rights while respecting Tunisia’s sovereignty and laws.
