Medavia officers arrested in Libya
Abdulrazagh Zmirli.
Two high-level managers of Malta-based air services company Medavia were being held under arrest by Libyan anti-militia police yesterday.
Medavia managing director Abdulrazagh Zmirli and technical general manager Abdalla Dekna were being interrogated in the northwestern city of Zawija after police seized them in the VIP lounge of Tripoli airport last Tuesday, minutes before they boarded a Malta-bound plane.
Reports indicated the two men were arrested following claims they helped the Gaddafi regime during last year’s conflict.
But despite having been arrested last Tuesday, Libyan authorities had yet to charge either of the two men, with a judicial decision to charge or release the men expected tomorrow.
Mr Zmirli, in particular, is highly respected within the Libyan community in Malta for having kept Medavia going and retained its employees despite the upheaval in Libya. He was also instrumental in the organisation of Red Cross relief efforts to Libya during the uprising.
A spokesman for the Maltese Government, which has a stake in Medavia, said the Government was aware of Mr Zmirli’s arrest and was monitoring the situation.
Family worried
Medavia financial general manager Joe Formosa said the company was convinced the charges against the two men were unfounded.
“We’re doing everything within our power to have them released as soon as possible, while of course respecting the course of law in Libya,” Mr Formosa said.
Last night, Mr Zmirli remained in the custody of Zawija authorities. His son Ismael told The Times that the family were all very concerned.
“My father and Mr Dekna are being treated well, but it’s still very worrying and we can’t call or speak to them. We’re just trying to remain calm and hoping for good news.”
Medavia was one of several joint Maltese-Libyan ventures indirectly affected by EU sanctions imposed on the Libyan Foreign Investment Company, or Lafico, during the war.
The sanctions came at an unfortunate time for the company, which had just invested upwards of €10 million in a new hangar and office block at the Safi aviation park.
It continued to operate throughout the crisis and carried out several evacuation flights with injured people out of war-torn Libya.
Mr Zmirli, an engineer by training, was previously a non-executive director of Corinthia Hotels and occupied a similar non-executive post at Mediterranean Investment Holdings.
As well as heading Medavia, he sits on the board of trustees of the Mariam Al-Batool school in Paola.
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Bashir Hagul
Dec 25th 2012, 22:54
Mr Zmirli and Mr Dekna have both served the people of Libya before and after the revolution. They are among Libya's best technocrats and should be honored for their support of the Libyan revolution. In fact the World Airnews have already awarded Mr Zmirli "Leader of the Year" award for his charismatic leadership of Medavia as it participated in evacuations of the sick and wounded.
Mustafa Abdulaal
Dec 25th 2012, 11:36
I deeply regret the arrest of my dear friend Mr. Zmirli. he has always gone out of his way to help others in so many complicated circumstances. He is a well trained skilful engineer and professional manager. I regret his arrest, and If it is by armed militia group I call for his immediate release. If it is a juridical, I am sure he will come out of it white and clear. I pray for you dear friend.
Anthony A. Mifsud
Dec 24th 2012, 18:00
Why?these people are business man and nothing else , the fact of the matter is that even our govt helped the regime
Hence, should they be interrogated ? Come on.... This not the Libya I know
Ninu
Alex Dalli
Dec 24th 2012, 17:53
Both Mr Zmirli and Dekna are known Gentlemen in Malta. They were here for many years and have employed many maltese. They have supported all aviation and surely helped libya and malta in all times. It is indeed sad news as we wait for their release and return to Malta.
Emanuele Grimaldi
Dec 24th 2012, 17:28
Mr Zmirli,.. A true gentleman!
Mr Victor G Mercieca
Dec 24th 2012, 17:10
Was very surprised & taken aback by Mr.Zmirli arrest/abduction news in Tripoli......I always personally found him as a real gentleman as an ex-MedAvia Flight crew & an Air Taxi client during the UN Libyan embargo days.....hope his & Mr.Dekna situation is resolved without further delay !!!
Martin Pillow
Dec 24th 2012, 14:21
I am shocked to hear the news that Mr. Zmirli & Mr. Dekna has been arrested. I have known both since 1997 and it was a pleasure working with both in great honesty. Mr. Zmirli used to call me to give him boxes to send medicine to Libya during the conflict. Also we had cooperated together to help the Mariam Al-Batool School in Paola, and had helped a lot to have a regular sea link after the war.
M.P
j brincat
Dec 24th 2012, 12:33
Quo vadis Libya?
(jb)
george attard
Dec 24th 2012, 12:27
Mr Zmirli is one of the most honest persons i have had the pleasure to know and if this is an indication of how the new Libya is working, then all the efforts to change have been totally futile as they are showing that nothing has changed.
may i wish both Mr. Zmirli and Mr. Dekna a speedy return to their families and some peaceful rest .
GA
P Sciberras
Dec 24th 2012, 11:40
Yes Mr Stafrace this the new Libya By the way what happened to Palm City, where Maltese investors invested heavily there,does it still exist? or what's left of it?
A. Farrugia
Dec 24th 2012, 11:14
From what I know of Mr. Zmirli I believe he is a good man... and that's probably an understatement.
He did a lot of good to other people, in less fortunate circumstances, and for this he has my respect and admiration. I hope he'll come out of this event unscathed and wish him and the family every good thing and blessing at Christmas: they'll appreciate, even though they're not a Christian family
Tony Bishop
Dec 24th 2012, 10:57
I am very sorry to hear the news that Mr Zmirli has been arrested.Being ex Medavia I can truly say that I have not met such an honest person and it was a pleasure to have worked with Medavia when he was appionted Managing Director.
effie stafrace
Dec 24th 2012, 10:38
is this the new libya?
twanny borg
Dec 24th 2012, 09:29
jistaw jarrestaw lil kullhadd ghax kullhadd kien jibza minn gaddafi tghinu bilfors.
Carmel Attard
Dec 24th 2012, 11:58
proset Twany..sewwa qed tghid..but try to explain this to the new Western backed regime!!! They are no different to Qaddafi..could be worse, as their interests lie within their masters' grasp!!!
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