Libya is stepping up efforts to secure the transfer of its citizens imprisoned in Turkey, as senior officials held direct discussions in Istanbul on improving the conditions of Libyan detainees and exploring options for completing their sentences at home.
The initiative was led by Ali Ishtiwi, Deputy Minister of Justice and Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the Follow-up of Libyan Prisoners Abroad, who met Turkish counterparts on Thursday as part of a broader review of the status of Libyan nationals held by Turkish authorities.
The meeting took place in the presence of Salah Al-Kasah, the Libyan Consul in Istanbul, along with the consulate’s legal adviser, its defence lawyer, and the Director of the Deputy Minister’s Office. Discussions focused on the challenges Libyan detainees face inside Turkish prisons, the progress of their legal cases, and possible mechanisms for improving consular oversight.
A central point of the talks was a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between Libya and Turkey that would allow convicted Libyan nationals to serve the remainder of their sentences inside Libya. Officials said the plan reflects the Government of National Unity’s commitment to human rights and its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the proposal is grounded in mutual respect for national sovereignty and international legal standards. If finalised, the agreement would establish a formal framework enabling prisoner transfer, improving family access, and allowing Libyan institutions to oversee rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.
The Deputy Minister stressed that Libya remains determined to ensure fair treatment for its citizens overseas and will continue to monitor the conditions of all Libyan detainees held abroad. The Istanbul talks are expected to pave the way for further technical meetings between the two countries in the coming period.
