95 arrested Libyans bemoan unfavourable prison conditions, religion disregard
The accused, who were arrested at an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga, claim that the Barberton prison doesn't provide them non-halaal food - which against their Muslim faith.
95 Libyans arrested in Mpumalanga, South Africa, for contravening the Immigration Act. Picture: Eyewitness News
MPUMALANGA - Unfavourable living conditions and a complete disregard for their religion - these are the claims being made by the 95 Libyans who were arrested at an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga.
The suspects who were nabbed at the end of July, made their second appearance at the White River Magistrates Court on Monday.
They face charges of contravening the Immigration Act.
Prior to their arrest, a multidisciplinary team comprising police and Home Affairs officials discovered the illegal camp on a farm used for security guard training.
Authorities also found military-grade firearms guns and contraband on the farm.
The accused claim that at the Barberton prison, they're being given non-halaal food - which is against their Muslim faith.
They added that the treatment they receive from Correctional Services officials is unfair.
Defence attorney Mr Kassen spoke for all 95 of the accused.
“As they are Muslim people from Libya, they need certain requirements that you and I don’t”
Although the matter was not addressed in court on Monday, the accused will now be transferred to the Mbombela Correctional Facility, which is 45 minutes away until their next appearance.
Their case has been postponed to the end of August.