British journalists held in Libya freed by militia

Two British journalists, held in Libya since February over charges of spying, have been released and handed over to the Libyan government.

The Foreign Office last night announced Nicholas Davies-Jones and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson, who worked for the Iranian-owned Press TV, are said to be in good condition.

The pair had been captured in Tripoli on 22 February by Saraya Swehli, a Misrata-based militia, after entering the country illegally, before being accused of spying. They have been cleared of all charges.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We welcome the release of the two British journalists. Foreign Office officials are providing them with consular assistance. The men are in the care of consular staff, they are well and look forward to being reunited with their families soon.”

The men had appeared in a video, released on 12 March, in which they apologised for entering Libya without permission.

Abed al-Menemayad, head of the Media and International Co-operation Office at Libya’s Interior Ministry said: “They have been released and tomorrow they will leave the country.”

He added: “The British consul received them and the charges against them have been dropped.”