Released Russian sociologists arrived from Libya to Russia
Sociologist Maxim Shugaley and his translator Samer Soueifan returned to Russia after being held hostage by Libyan militants for a long time.
A plane carrying one of the sociologists landed early in the morning at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg. He was met by relatives upon arrival. Maxim Shugaley's wife was overcome with emotion and couldn't quite believe it was all real, FAN reports.
“I just want to touch him. We didn't doubt it for a second. We believed, we knew, we couldn’t live without him,” shared his wife Natalya.
Returning Russians want to spend some time at home with their families. They also need to monitor their health, which needs to be improved somewhat.
“I spent a year and seven months in prison, I haven’t seen my family for almost two years, I just want to be together,” added Shugaley, who did not sleep for two days before the meeting.
The scientist plans to attend a press conference soon, where he will reveal all the details of his imprisonment. The sociologists' release was previously announced by Alexander Malkevich, head of the Federal Center for Sociology and the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation.
Employees of the Foundation for the Protection of National Values flew to Libya at the beginning of 2019 to conduct a survey. Despite the fact that the Government of National Accord was aware of the Russian plans, in mid-May Shugaley and Sueyfan were kidnapped by militants and placed in Mitiga prison without explanation.
Freed Russian sociologists have returned from Libya to Russia.