The Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The release of Libyans detained in South Africa.

Benghazi, August 15, 2024 (LANA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan government assigned by the House of Representatives announced the release of Libyan citizens detained in South Africa, and that they are on their way back to Libya.

It confirmed in a statement today, Thursday, that this comes after the success of Libyan efforts to release Libyan citizens and the understanding of the South African authorities of the confusion that occurred.

The National Prosecuting Authority in South Africa said earlier that prosecutors in Mpumalanga decided today to withdraw the charges against 95 Libyan citizens arrested by the police on charges of violating immigration law.

“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sonia Ntuli, has reviewed all available evidence and statements made on behalf of the accused and after considering the evidence and political considerations, it has been decided to withdraw the charges against them,” said Monica Nyuswa, regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Mpumalanga, in a statement posted on the X platform.

She added, that after working closely with all relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice system, it was decided that these matters would be dealt with administratively in accordance with the Immigration Act and its regulations by officials from the Department of Home Affairs.

The 95 Libyans were detained by South African police in July for entering the country on student visas and receiving military training.

=Lana=