Ministry of Foreign Affairs denies media allegations that American detained in Libya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity has confirmed the arrest of the American citizen, Fernando Espinoza, on charges of violation of procedures, including the expiration of his visa, and his presence in areas of tension without obtaining permission despite being warned several times.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry expressed its astonishment at the CNN news channel publishing false and inaccurate information regarding the American citizen and the conditions of his arrest.

The statement confirmed that Espinoza is with the competent authorities, noting that a phone call was made with the consular official at the US embassy in Tripoli two weeks ago, and that his country’s embassy in turn contacted his family, in addition to another contact with his family two days ago.

The statement added that the delay in deporting Fernando to his country was due to not receiving the Coronavirus vaccine, stressing that he got vaccinated, and he will be deported as soon as early next week.

CNN reported that Fernando Espinoza, a 29-year-old American teacher and US Navy submariner, disappeared in Libya on November 9, 5 weeks after arriving in the country to start a new job at an international school in Tripoli.