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Libya: Bishop concerned at violence against African migrants


Mgr Martinelli

Mgr Martinelli

The Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli, Mgr Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, has expressed his concern over a growing number of attacks on African migrant workers stranded in Libya.

Human Rights Watch has reported several episode of violence against the migrants. "This is a problem that saddens me very much because these poor African immigrants, in one way or the other, are increasingly vulnerable" Bishop Martinelli said. "I do not know who is responsible for the violence against Africans, whether it is the new authorities or loose groups of 'cleansing'.

"The Africans provide an important service to the Country, because they do everything. It is true that they have also been exploited as mercenaries, but most of them are employed in civilian jobs, which are indispensable in the new Libya", stresses the Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli.

"What is certain is that these episodes demonstrate that there is no full security in the Country. The authorities of transition have however stressed that their priority is security. We will see how this path of reconciliation develops.

Msgr Martinelli is currently in Italy for medical treatment but plans to return to Tripoli as soon as possible.

Source: HRW/Fides

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