A group of 11 Russian nationals taken into custody in Tunisia late last year on suspicion of terrorism has been freed and is preparing to return home, according to Russian state media.
The individuals were reportedly apprehended close to Tunisia’s border with Algeria in November.
While Russian outlets portrayed them as tourists, Tunisian authorities seized items from them that allegedly didn’t match their stated travel purposes, Russia’s embassy in Tunis previously revealed.
Although they were suspected of links to terrorist activity, no formal charges were brought against them.
Both Russian and Tunisian officials have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case.
TASS, a Russian news agency, cited the embassy as confirming the group’s release and imminent departure from Tunisia on Friday. “They will travel on two separate flights today,” the embassy said.
The group had reportedly been exploring ancient Roman sites in Haidra, a town near the Algerian border, which, despite its historical significance, is rarely visited by tourists.
Tunisia continues to attract Russian travellers, especially since the onset of the Ukraine conflict made travel to other destinations more difficult.
The North African nation is popular for its affordability and visa-free access. However, Haidra is not considered part of Tunisia’s mainstream tourism trail.