Watan-Russian media reported, citing the Russian embassy in Tunisia, that a group of 11 Russian citizens arrested in November remains in custody on suspicion of engaging in “terrorist activities” after police found suspicious equipment in their possession.
According to Russia’s RIA news agency, the group was discovered near Tunisia’s border with Algeria.
The agency quoted the Russian embassy in Tunisia as saying that their arrest was due to “suspected involvement in terrorist activities.”
No formal charges have been filed against them yet, although Tunisian authorities confiscated “equipment” allegedly “inconsistent with the declared tourism purposes,” according to RIA’s report from the embassy.
The exact reason for their arrest remains unclear, and the only available information about the case so far is what the Russian embassy provided on Thursday.
Russian state media described the individuals as “tourists” who were visiting a Roman archaeological site in the municipality of Haïdra, near the Algerian border.
Tunisia is a popular tourist destination for Russians, partly because it is relatively cheaper than other destinations and allows visa-free entry.
However, Haïdra is not a typical destination for Russian tourists, despite being home to some of North Africa’s oldest Roman ruins.
Tunisia and Russia maintain relatively stable relations, having agreed to strengthen ties in agriculture and energy in 2023.
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