14 Sailors Return Home After Spending More Than 3 Years In Jail In Libya

A special flight with 14 citizens of Ukraine – members of the crew of the Ruta tanker, who returned home after more than 3 years of imprisonment in Libya, landed at Boryspil International Airport. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the arrival of fellow citizens in the homeland.

crew seafarer sailor repatriation — Image Credits: president.gov.ua

“Our task is to return Ukrainian citizens. I am very glad that after almost three and a half years behind bars in Libya, 14 members of the crew of the Ruta tanker returned home. I am happy for them, for their families,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Security Service of Ukraine, and all those who helped for their successful work.

ukraine seafarers-sailors repatriation — Image Credits: president.gov.ua

In April 2017, Ukrainian sailors were detained in Libya on charges of involvement in the smuggling of petroleum products. Due to the complicated domestic political and security situation in this country, the consideration of the case of Ukrainians by the Libyan courts has not been completed for a long time.

Due to the coordinated actions of the relevant authorities, Ukraine managed to achieve results in negotiations with the Libyan party and return our citizens home.

Reference: president.gov.ua