The Consul General of Italy in Benghazi, Filippo Colombo, on the occasion of the Republic Day, issued an appeal for the return of the participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla convoy for Gaza, who are currently held in detention in eastern Libya, including Italian citizens Leonarda Alberizia and Domenico Centrone.
The Consul requested a further consular visit to the detained nationals, who, following requests by the Italian authorities, have seen an improvement in their conditions but continue to report the hardship of what has now become prolonged detention. Yesterday, the two Italian citizens were able to speak with their families.
The Italian Consul reiterated Italy’s respect for Libyan sovereignty and its laws, while also recalling the solidarity-based nature of the Flotilla initiative and its entirely peaceful character. Consul Colombo’s appeal also referred to the spirit of friendship and the deep ties between Italy and Libya, a relationship that can foster the conditions for constructive engagement towards a resolution of the case and the swift return of the detainees to their families.
The Italian Foreign Ministry, the Embassy of Italy in Tripoli and the Consulate General in Benghazi continue to monitor the case in coordination with the local authorities.
A new hearing for the two Italian nationals before the Libyan prosecutor is scheduled for Tuesday 9 June.
