Journalists detained in Libya return to Britain

PanARMENIAN.Net - Two British journalists detained in Libya while working for an Iranian broadcaster have arrived back in Britain following their release at the weekend, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, March 20, according to AFP.

"The two British nationals are back in the UK. We are pleased they have been reunited with their family," a spokesman said, adding that they returned on Monday night.

Nicholas Davies and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson were working for Iran's English-language Press TV when they were held by the Swehli militia last month while reportedly filming in a sensitive area of Tripoli late at night.

The commander of the militia, Faraj Swehli, said they were being held for illegal entry and possible espionage.

However, Libya's interim authorities declared their detention illegal, and persuaded the militia to hand them over.

On Sunday, deputy interior minister Omar al-Khadrawi said the men had committed no crime and were free to leave Libya.