Latest news with #OthmanAl-Zalouk
Libya Observer
26 minutes ago
- Libya Observer
Libya's embassy in Turkey confirms it's closely following case of citizen detained for allegedly filming child without permission
The Embassy of Libya in Turkey has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the case of the Libyan citizen detained in Istanbul, who is currently under investigation for allegedly filming a Turkish child, as claimed by the child's mother. According to the embassy's statement, the Consulate General in Istanbul immediately contacted the relevant Turkish authorities upon learning of the incident, in order to follow the details of the case and remain updated on its developments, aiming to ensure due legal process and the protection of the citizen's rights. The statement noted that the citizen was detained by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office. The consulate's lawyer, in coordination with the lawyer appointed by the Bar Association, has filed three objections before the Fifth Criminal Court of Peace against the detention, all of which were rejected, with the court deciding to uphold the detention. The embassy also noted that the Public Prosecutor's Office assigned a legal mediation office in an attempt to resolve the issue through reconciliation, as is customary in such cases. However, the complainant refused reconciliation and requested that the case be referred to court. The embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul continue to follow the case closely and are making every effort to resolve the matter and prove the innocence of Libyan citizen Othman Al-Zalouk, seeking his safe return to his family. Earlier, the Al-Zalouk family confirmed that their son remains in custody, denying having had any contact with either the Libyan Embassy in Ankara or the Consulate in Istanbul. Tags: Turkey
Libya Observer
3 days ago
- Libya Observer
Libyan teen detained in Istanbul, his family says embassy has yet to contact him
The family of 17-year-old Libyan national Othman Al-Zalouk announced that their son has been held at a police station in Istanbul, Turkey, for several days, criticizing the Libyan Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul for failing to contact him so far. In a widely shared social media post, the family said that Othman was detained following a complaint filed by a Turkish woman who accused him of photographing her son without permission at a shopping mall in Istanbul, despite the absence of any evidence supporting the allegation. The family added that Othman had traveled to Turkey for a short vacation after completing his exams and was taking souvenir photos at the 'Vadistanbul' shopping mall when a woman confronted him and claimed he had taken pictures of her son—an accusation he immediately denied. He handed over his phone to the woman, which was found to contain no photos or videos of her son. However, upon learning he was not a Turkish citizen, the woman insisted on calling mall security. Othman was taken to a police station, where Turkish authorities conducted an official search of his phone and found no incriminating material. Nevertheless, he remains in custody without any formal charges, raising concerns about legal procedures—especially given that he is considered a minor under both Libyan and international law. The family has called on Libyan authorities to urgently intervene and provide legal assistance to their son, stressing that the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen legal protection for Libyan citizens abroad. As of now, the Libyan Embassy in Turkey has not issued an official statement, and there is no available information from Turkish authorities on whether formal charges will be filed or if the youth will be released.
