Four Libyans return from Italy after more than 11 years in prison

The Libyan Embassy in Italy announced that all legal and administrative procedures had been completed for the return of four Libyan nationals involved in the case widely known in the media as the “football players’ case,” confirming that they arrived in Libya on Monday evening.

The returnees are Tarek Al-Omami, Mohannad Khashiba, Abdulrahman Abdulmonsef, and Mohamed Al-Mazoughi. Their return follows successful diplomatic and legal efforts that resulted in the suspension of the prison sentences issued against them and their release, more than 11 years after the case began.

The embassy said the citizens’ return came as a result of direct follow-up by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, in coordination with the relevant authorities in Libya and Italy, as well as the defense team that represented the men before the Italian courts.

The embassy added that it will continue to follow the case to ensure the completion of all remaining legal procedures and to safeguard the rights of Libyan citizens in accordance with the applicable legal framework.