A Kiwi filmmaker has been released into the protection of the British Embassy in Libya after being detained twice in the past week.
Sharron Ward, who was born in Gisborne but now lives in London, was initially detained earlier while filming in the former pro-Gaddafi town of Tawarga.
She was told she did not have permission to film in the area, despite having full press accreditation.
Ms Ward was detained for five hours before being released, but officials took her equipment and passport.
She returned to a Supreme Security Council base in Ain Zara on Saturday afternoon for a follow-up interview, the New Zealand Herald reports.
Despite being accompanied by staff from the British Embassy, she was detained for a further 48 hours before again being released.
She was not charged, although it was reported she may be under investigation for espionage.
Ms Ward said she was waiting for "outstanding issues to be resolved", and would not comment further.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) told NZ Newswire the British Embassy in Tripoli was providing consular assistance to Ms Ward, and was in regular contact with the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo.
"This is a sensitive time in the case so no further comment will be provided as it may be prejudicial to the interests of the individual concerned," a statement from MFAT said.
NZN