Libya TV shows captured Dutch marine helicopter crew

[maddezmom]

Source: BBC

A Dutch marine helicopter crew have been shown on Libyan state TV after being captured while attempting to evacuate two foreign citizens.

The TV showed the three-strong crew, their Lynx helicopter and weapons, saying they had entered Libyan air space "in breach of international law".

Dutch officials say the helicopter was captured on Sunday near Sirte while trying to fly out two Europeans.

Talks are under way to free the crew, who are two men and one woman


Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12645675

[ProgressiveProfessor]

1. It was indeed a violation of Libyan sovereignty

The best answer is not to get caught. At least it was not a shooting incident.

This will be worked out soon enough once the PR value is exhausted.

[maddezmom]

2. Libyan state television has accused the Netherlands of spying

Libyan state television has accused the Netherlands of spying, following the capture on Sunday of a Dutch navy helicopter and its three-strong crew by government militias.

The aim of the helicopter mission was to drop or pick up spies on Libyan soil, according to Libyan TV, which spoke of an international conspiracy against the strife-torn country.

The accusation affects current efforts to free the crew, legal expert Geert-Jan Knoops told Dutch media on Friday. He underlined that, under international law, spies have a different status than prisoners of war. “The Dutch foreign ministry now needs to move fast to try to obtain their release.”

Professor Knoops added that Dutch Embassy staff are still in Libya and can provide legal support on the ground. The Dutch defence authorities say they’ve received no official word from Libya on spying charges brought against the crew.

more:http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/libya-accuses-netherlands-spying