The Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, Mustafa Abdel Kabir, criticized the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya and the seizure of their vehicles. He called for action from both Tunisian and Libyan authorities to resolve these issues, which include border management failures. The Libyan Ministry of Interior pledged anti-smuggling efforts, exacerbating tensions following the heavy penalty imposed for a couscous smuggling incident.
Mustafa Abdel Kabir, Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, expressed concern about the detention of over 50 Tunisian citizens in Libya, including two minors. He revealed that these individuals are being held in a Tripoli prison and that Libyan authorities have confiscated more than 25 vehicles belonging to Tunisian traders. Abdel Kabir urged both governments to resolve these ongoing issues, labeling the situation as a case of “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.”
Additionally, he acknowledged a “shared failure” in managing the border crossings that has complicated travel for individuals. He noted that ordinary citizens are adversely affected by these administrative shortcomings. In response, the Ministry of Interior of the Government of National Unity emphasized its commitment to combat smuggling in various forms, aiming to safeguard the national economy and enhance public security.
In a related incident, Tunisian authorities previously sentenced a Libyan individual to five years for smuggling 150 kilograms of couscous. This event incited public outrage and resulted in increased detention of Tunisian fuel smugglers due to bolstered anti-smuggling regulations. Tunisian media termed this a crackdown on cross-border trade, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.
The situation regarding Tunisian traders detained in Libya highlights significant diplomatic and operational challenges. Mustafa Abdel Kabir’s statements underscore the urgent need for collaboration between Tunisian and Libyan authorities to improve border management and protect citizen rights. Meanwhile, the government’s strict anti-smuggling measures indicate an effort to stabilize national security, though such actions may also exacerbate tensions between the two nations.
Original Source: libyaobserver.ly
