Libyan officials stated on 10 October 2008 that the country will take several measures to cut diplomatic and economic ties with Switzerland to protest the poor treatment of several Libyan diplomats and businessmen by Swiss security forces. Officials confirmed earlier reports indicating that Libya will suspend all crude oil shipments to the country and withdraw billions in assets from Swiss banks. Libyan Afriqiyah Airlines is also slated to reduce the number of direct flights to Switzerland, and the Libyan government has also suspended all consular services for Swiss nationals. According to Libyan officials, the measures will remain in effect until the Swiss government accounts for recent incidents involving the detention and poor treatment of several Libyan diplomats and businessmen in Switzerland. Libya’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly set up an independent committee to look into the recent allegations as well as the treatment of Libyan leader Muammar Khadafy’s son during his July 2008 detention in Geneva on assault charges.

The recent announcement came after a three-month diplomatic spat stemming from the earlier arrest of Khadafy’s son. Those charges were later dropped after the two servants whom Khadafy’s son had allegedly beaten, officially withdrew their grievances. During this time period, Libya took similar diplomatic and economic steps and called for a public apology from the Swiss government. Tensions subsided after the charges were dropped and Libyan anti-Swiss measures were relaxed until this recent renewal of tensions.