Argentina seeks release of two citizens detained in eastern Libya

Argentina’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that it has received information regarding the detention of two Argentine nationals near Sirte, as part of a group of foreign citizens intercepted in eastern Libya.

The ministry identified the detainees as María Paula Jiménez and Lucas Ezequiel Aguilera. They were among a group of ten individuals of various nationalities who were reportedly detained while travelling through Libya.

In a statement, the ministry said its embassy in Tunisia, which is accredited to Libya, had begun contacting the relevant authorities to verify the circumstances of the detention and determine the legal status of the two Argentines in preparation for efforts aimed at securing their release.

Authorities affiliated with eastern Libya’s military leadership have not officially disclosed the identities of those detained or provided details regarding their location. However, sources familiar with the matter said that two Libyan citizens connected to the case are currently being held in Benghazi.

As part of its consular response, the Argentine embassy sought assistance from the Italian embassy in Libya, taking advantage of Italy’s diplomatic and consular presence in Benghazi.

According to the ministry, the Italian consul was granted access to visit the Italian nationals among the detainees but was not permitted to meet the Argentine citizens. Nevertheless, Libyan security authorities reportedly responded positively to requests aimed at improving the detainees’ living conditions.

The detentions are linked to an international aid convoy bound for Gaza. In late May, the Libyan Coalition announced the detention of ten convoy participants after they crossed the Joint Military Commission’s 5+5 security checkpoint on the road to Sirte.

The group reportedly included nationals from nine foreign countries and one Arab state. Further details regarding the allegations against the detainees or any legal proceedings have not been made public.