Italy: Fishermen held captive in Libya return to port following their release

Thanks! Share it with your friends!

You disliked this video. Thanks for the feedback!

Published Dec 21, 2020

Eighteen fishermen returned to the port of Mazara del Vallo on Sunday following their release by Libyan Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar after more than 100 days in captivity.

Salvatore Quinci, Mayor of Mazara del Vallo said "there is a great emotion, I am also excited, today a nightmare is over for us." Rosetta Marrone, mother of one of the fishermen added, "I am very excited, for me today is a great day of celebration, thanks to everyone."

Forces loyal to Khaftar, who is influential in Eastern Libya, had the boats captured on September 1, on accusations that they were fishing in Libyan waters.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and Foreign Minister Luigi DiMaio flew to Benghazi this week for diplomatic talks on the release of the fishermen.

SOT, Marco Marrone, Ship owner (Italian): "It was 108 bad days, I remember them all in a terrible way, especially the night of September 1 when we were here and they told us about the kidnapping. All the other days have been terrible for all of us and for the families, but we have never lost the determination and the desire to push the government to help us and free them."

SOT, Salvatore Quinci, Mayor of Mazara del Vallo (Italian): "Today is just a day of celebration, every discussion, every controversy we will reserve for the days to come. Today Mazara finds herself more serene, almost happy, ready to welcome all the fishermen with a hug. There is great emotion, I am also excited, today a nightmare is over for us."

SOT, Rosetta Marrone, Mother of one of the fishermen (Italian): "My house was in the dark, from day 17 I turned the light back on, I found my son, I am very excited, for me today is a great day of celebration, thanks to everyone".

Video ID: 20201220-037

#Italy #Libya #Khaftar

Video on Demand: https://ruptly.tv/videos/20201220-037
Contact: cd@ruptly.tv

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Ruptly
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ruptly