Contact Lost with Activists in Libya, Including Two Italians
Rome, May 24 – A group of approximately ten activists, including two Italians, has gone missing in Libya after entering territory controlled by General Haftar’s authorities. The activists were part of a ‘Land Convoy’ mission and had traveled to Sirte to negotiate the resumption of aid deliveries to Gaza. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Farnesina) is actively verifying the situation.
Negotiations in Sirte Lead to Disappearance
According to Maria Elena Delia, spokesperson for the Flotilla, contact was lost with the group, which included a car and an ambulance, after they were invited to negotiate the convoy’s departure. “We have lost contact with about ten activists who had entered Libyan territory controlled by Haftar’s authorities in Sirte. The group, with a car and an ambulance, had been invited to negotiate the restart of the Land Convoy. Among them are two Italians, one from Puglia and one from Piedmont. As far as we know so far, they may have been arrested,” Delia told the Ansa agency.
The two Italian activists have been identified as Domenico Centrone, 33, from Molfetta (Bari), and Dina Alberizia, from Piedmont. This information was provided by their colleague, Sara Suriano, 33, from Andria, who is also present at the scene. “The moment the border was crossed and our delegation entered eastern Libya, we lost all contact,” Sara explained, adding that the group was divided “between an ambulance and a car.” She stated, “Currently, I am 100 meters from the checkpoint, and we are here waiting for news of them.”
Mission Stalled for Eight Days
The mission had been stalled for eight days due to unproductive negotiations with General Haftar’s government. Consequently, the convoy decided to proceed towards the eastern border. In the early afternoon, two or three vehicles in the vanguard approached the border to reach the eastern part of the territory. After successfully passing an initial checkpoint, they continued across the border.
“A small delegation,” it was explained, “went further and crossed the border because they were called to negotiate by Haftar’s government for the passage of the convoy. However, an hour after entering eastern Libya, we lost track of them and cannot get in touch with them.”
Farnesina Initiates Verifications
The Crisis Unit of the Farnesina is currently conducting verifications regarding the activists’ whereabouts and status. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers operating in conflict zones and highlights the complexities of negotiating with various factions.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the Farnesina continues its efforts to locate and ensure the safety of the missing individuals. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, emphasizing the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel.
Source: roma.corriere.it
