Britons handed over in Libya

Two British journalists held by a Libyan militia after they were accused of spying have been transferred to the custody of the government, the UK Foreign Office said.

Nicholas Davies-Jones and Gareth Montgomery-Johnson were captured in the Libyan capital Tripoli on February 22 while working as freelancers with the Iranian state-owned Press TV.

They were detained by the Misrata-based Saraya Swehli brigade, one of the dozens of militias which helped force out Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi last year.

The Foreign Office said Libyan authorities confirmed the pair have been handed over by the militia group.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “Throughout the period they have been detained, we have been in regular contact with the Libyan authorities, the men and their families.

“The authorities have confirmed the men have been handed over to the Libyan government.”