The Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, Marina Sereni, confirmed that Rome was coordinating efforts with Libyan, Russian, and Emirati officials to repatriate the Italian fishermen detained in Benghazi since September.
Libyan patrol boats arrested two Sicilian fishing boats, carrying 18 Italian seafarers, on 1 September. The crew was sent to Benghazi and accused of fishing in territorial waters.
In press statements, Sereni pointed out that the Italian government is committed to finding a positive solution to the issue. She also was keen to clarify the complexity of the situation, and the timing in which it occurred. Sereni confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ readiness to support the families of the fishermen.
She also criticized the government’s failure to secure their release. Some parties have called on Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to request French mediation in order to free them.
In October, Major General Khaled Al-Mahjoub said that the fishermen will appear before the Public Prosecutor and be tried according to Libyan law. Al-Mahjoub had specified that the Italians were in excellent health and were being treated well.
“We treat them with respect in accordance with international laws, and human rights,” Al-Mahjoub assured.