On Location Video: Libya has become a deadly door to Europe
TRIPOLI, Libya — A group of Eritreans was about to board smugglers’ boats to Europe when a Libyan coast guard unit tried to stop them. Shots were fired and the group was split. Some made it on the boats, others were arrested and two women and a newborn were later found dead on the beach.
Such tragedies are happening all too often in Libya. Post-war chaos has made the country the main departure point for the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean to Italy. Authorities here and in Italy estimate that 600,000 people mostly from across Africa are currently waiting in Libya to cross the Mediterranean.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.