Concerns Rise Over Treatment of Tunisian Traders in Libya

Mustafa Abdel Kabir criticized the detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, highlighting the confiscation of vehicles and ongoing assaults on citizens. He acknowledged failures in border management and called for cooperation between Tunisian and Libyan authorities. The Libyan Ministry of Interior vowed to combat smuggling while previous punitive actions have heightened tensions.

Mustafa Abdel Kabir, the Director of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, has expressed concern regarding the ongoing detention of over 50 Tunisians in Libya, including two minors. He highlighted that Libyan authorities have confiscated more than 25 vehicles belonging to Tunisian traders, with the detainees currently held in a Tripoli prison. Abdel Kabir urged both Tunisian and Libyan officials to confront this pressing issue, condemning what he termed as “repeated assaults on Tunisian citizens.”

He further acknowledged a “shared failure” in managing border crossings and implementing effective measures to ease travel for citizens, suggesting that “ordinary people are paying the price” for such failures. His remarks underscore the broader consequences faced by individuals caught in the complexities of cross-border regulations.

In response, the Ministry of Interior of Libya’s Government of National Unity reiterated its commitment to combating smuggling and implementing measures aimed at safeguarding the national economy and bolstering public security. This comes after previous actions, such as the sentencing of a Libyan individual to five years for smuggling 150 kilograms of couscous, which incited public outrage and intensified the detention of Tunisian fuel smugglers.

In conclusion, Mustafa Abdel Kabir’s statements reveal significant concerns regarding the treatment of Tunisian traders in Libya and the inadequacies in border management. The Libyan authorities’ crackdown on smuggling, while well-intentioned, has resulted in detrimental repercussions for ordinary citizens. Collaboration between the Tunisian and Libyan governments is essential to rectify these challenges and ensure fair treatment for all involved.

Original Source: libyaobserver.ly