A group of 11 Russian nationals, detained in Tunisia in November 2024 over suspected links to terrorism, has been released and is expected to return home soon, according to reports from Russian state media on Friday.
The individuals were apprehended near Tunisia’s border with Algeria, raising suspicions among local authorities.
While Russian media portrayed them as tourists, Tunisian police allegedly seized equipment that, according to Russia’s embassy in Tunis, “did not correspond to declared tourist purposes.”
Both the Russian and Tunisian governments have refrained from disclosing further information about the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Russians were held on suspicion of “involvement in terrorist activities,” though no formal charges were ever filed against them.
Citing the Russian embassy, the TASS news agency confirmed the group’s release and their scheduled departure from Tunisia.
“Tickets have been purchased for them, they will leave during the day on two flights,” the embassy said.
According to Russian state media, the group was in the town of Haidra, near the Algerian border, where they were reportedly exploring Roman-era ruins.
Tunisia continues to attract Russian tourists, especially since travel restrictions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have made other destinations less accessible.
The North African country remains a cost-effective and visa-free option. However, Haidra, despite its historical Roman landmarks, is not a common stop for typical tourist visits.
