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Libya Releases Russian, Tajik Members Of Detained Air Crew


A Libyan official says authorities in Tripoli have released a Russian and a Tajik citizen, both members of an air crew detained after it flew into the country from the United Arab Emirates last year without permission.

Libya detained seven foreign crew members on November 14 for bringing what it called "suspicious cargo" to the southern city of Ghadames on behalf of the UAE. The contents of the cargo shipment were not immediately clear.

Sadiq al-Sour, a chief investigator at the Tripoli attorney general's office, told Reuters on Feburary 4 the the Russian and Tajik crew members were released after the accusations against them were dropped.

Russia's Ambassador to Libya Ivan Molotkov confirmed the release of the Russian citizen.

Four other foreign crew members were released in December.

Sour said the pilot will face trial next week.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax

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