Libya arrests Europe-bound migrants.
- 13 years ago
The Libyan government arrested hundreds of African migrants allegedly bound for Italy.
More than 500 were offloaded in Tripoli.
Some of them said they paid more than 1,000 U.S. dollars for the trip.
Many of the migrants suspect that the boat captain never had the intention of sailing to Europe, but instead handed them over straight to the authorities.
One said they were warned that they would get expelled from Libya, but could buy their way to Europe.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MIGRANT, ANTHONY AGIEXERI, SAYING:
"They instigated us, they instigated us. They told us if we have some some money we can go out of the country since we've been repatriated until the 31st of this month (Q: And now you know this was a lie?) And now we know this is a lie."
Libya's interior minister said the new government was serious about tackling illegal migration.
Tens of thousands of sub-Saharan Africans tried to leave Libya during the war when work was no longer available. Many are believed to have died trying to reach Europe by boat.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
More than 500 were offloaded in Tripoli.
Some of them said they paid more than 1,000 U.S. dollars for the trip.
Many of the migrants suspect that the boat captain never had the intention of sailing to Europe, but instead handed them over straight to the authorities.
One said they were warned that they would get expelled from Libya, but could buy their way to Europe.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MIGRANT, ANTHONY AGIEXERI, SAYING:
"They instigated us, they instigated us. They told us if we have some some money we can go out of the country since we've been repatriated until the 31st of this month (Q: And now you know this was a lie?) And now we know this is a lie."
Libya's interior minister said the new government was serious about tackling illegal migration.
Tens of thousands of sub-Saharan Africans tried to leave Libya during the war when work was no longer available. Many are believed to have died trying to reach Europe by boat.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.