Discovery of 28 Migrants’ Bodies and Actions Against Smuggling in Libya
The Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed the discovery of 28 bodies believed to belong to irregular migrants near Kufra. Simultaneously, 76 migrants were freed, and criminal investigations were launched against members of the Coast Guard involved in attempting to smuggle migrants across the Mediterranean. The Ministry of the Interior also reported efforts against irregular migration, including the return of Egyptian migrants to their home country.
The Libyan Public Prosecutor’s Office reported on Sunday the discovery of 28 bodies, believed to belong to irregular migrants, buried in proximity to a detention center north of Kufra in southeastern Libya. In a related operation, 76 migrants were liberated from forced detention, indicating ongoing issues related to migrant treatment in the region. Forensic experts have been engaged to determine the cause of death of the deceased individuals, and testimonies are being gathered from the survivors.
Additionally, the Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal investigation against the head of the Coast Guard branch in Zuwara city. Four Coast Guard members have been apprehended on suspicion of conspiring to transport illegal migrants across the Mediterranean Sea, during which they allegedly fired shots at law enforcement who intervened in their plan.
Following their initial questioning, authorities have decided to hold the four suspects in custody while they pursue further investigations. The migrants freed from forced detention are being relocated to shelter centers until their status is clarified, as confirmed by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Moreover, the Libyan Ministry of the Interior has reported the detention of numerous Egyptian irregular migrants, who have since been repatriated to Egypt. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance national security and combat irregular migration. Security operations have also led to the confiscation of stolen vehicles in the Western Mountains region of Libya.
The recent uncovering of 28 migrant bodies and the liberation of 76 individuals highlight the severe challenges of irregular migration in Libya. Investigations into the Coast Guard’s involvement in smuggling operations underscore ongoing problems with corruption and complicity. Concurrently, the Egyptian government is taking significant measures against illegal migration, aiming to bolster border security and enforce laws targeting those facilitating such activities.
Original Source: www.jordannews.jo
