By Jamal Adel
Tripoli, 26 May 2014:
Talks to secure the release of five Zintanis abducted by Mashashia tribesmen continue with no end . . .[restrict]in sight, Zintanis have said.
“A week ago five Zintanis were abducted by the Mashashia people after local security forces captured and detained a Mashashia man for his alliance to Qaddafi’s regime during the revolution, ” Zintan mayor Mustafa Al-Barouni told the Libya Herald.
“We negotiated with the kidnappers to set the abductees free, but their terms were completely beyond reasonable. They demand that we release this criminal whom we caught red-handed and who is now under the authority of the state,” explained Al-Barouni.
Another nine Zintanis were abducted two weeks ago by the Wershefana tribe, also because a tribal member was detained in Zintan. “This detainee is charged with attempted murder and armed robbery and is now under the authority of the military prosecution office,” Al-Barouni told this paper.
Animosity between towns and cities erupted in post-revolution Libya, eroding security and stability, with some towns seen as pro-revolution and others largely perceived as pro-Qaddafi. There has been a long-standing history of rivalry particularly between Zintan and the Mashashia, with a number of clashes involving both.
“For the first time Zintan’s municipal council has established another council that negotiates in abduction cases and works to improve relations with neighbouring towns,” Al-Barouni disclosed. The new council is headed by former GNC member Mohammed Betro, while former defence minister Osama Juwaily is the first deputy of the council.
“Through this new council we seek to demonstrate and promote peace and stability in the region, as we also encourage the rule of law and legal institutions” said Barouni, emphasising that the Zintanis are operating under the authority of and submitted to legal governing bodies such as the Ministry of Interior. [/restrict]
