Georgian sailors detained in Lybia in 2017 released

Two Georgian sailors who were detained in Lybia in 2017 for illegally crossing the border and smuggling contraband fuel have been released, states the Georgian Foreign Ministry spokesman Vladimer Konstantinidi.

Roman Kakaladze and Geno Komakhidze have left the prison and will return to Georgia in the nearest future, their lives are not in danger, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Georgian sailors were arrested in Lybian territorial waters two years ago. Initially, the court charged them for illegally crossing the border, smuggling contraband fuel and economic harm to the Lybian people.

Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been actively involved in the process since the first day of detention. Initially the court charged them with smuggling contraband fuel, for which they were fined over one million dollar. As all embassies were involved in this case, the sanction was also lifted, the fine was not paid”, said Konstantinidi.

Negotiations are underway to return the released sailors to Georgia as soon as possible.