Argentina activists detained in Libya spark international diplomatic protests

Argentine journalists Paula Giménez and Lucas Aguilera have been held in Sirte, Libya since May 24, 2026 while on a humanitarian mission to deliver medical aid and food to Gaza. As of June 13 they marked 20 days of detention, during which families reported they are physically stable but suffering serious psychological deterioration. The activists' captivity has drawn condemnation from human‑rights groups and consular visits by Spain and Italy, while Argentina’s foreign ministry has faced mounting pressure to intervene. Nine other volunteers – from Uruguay, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Tunisia and the United States – are also detained in the same operation, turning the case into a broader international rights issue.