Tunisia releases 11 Russians detained on suspicion of terrorism

Tunisia has released 11 Russian nationals detained since November 2024 on suspicion of terrorist activity, AFP reports citing Russia’s TASS state news agency Friday. The group, who had been found near the Algerian border in the town of Haidra, were never formally charged but had been held after police reportedly confiscated equipment deemed inconsistent with tourism.

Russian state media described them as sightseers visiting Roman ruins in Haidra, an area rarely frequented by foreign tourists. Tunisia, which offers visa-free access to Russians, has not commented on the case, nor has it disclosed any further details.

The Russian embassy in Tunis confirmed the release and said the group would return home on Friday on two separate flights. The incident comes amid broader scrutiny of Russian travellers in regions sensitive to geopolitical tensions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Tunisia remains a popular, low-cost destination for Russian tourists.