REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA: Deadly assault in Tunis shows utter disregard for life

20 Mar 2015

[International Secretariat]

Region: REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA

Topic:

The organization is calling on the authorities to ensure that all those involved in planning and carrying out this attack are apprehended and brought to justice.

 “This deadly attack, which in itself is utterly deplorable, must not be allowed to derail what many regard as the region’s most successful transition from authoritarianism to the rule of law and respect for human rights,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Programme Director at Amnesty International.

“The best answer to this atrocity would be bringing those responsible to justice in fair trials. A return to the draconian measures of the Ben Ali years which trample over human rights would compound the tragedy of this crime and is likely to play into the hands of those trying to undermine Tunisia’s transition.”

Security forces killed two gunmen at the scene of the attack – the Bardo Museum beside Tunisia’s Parliament. They are still searching for accomplices, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

According to a statement by Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid, two Tunisians, including a police officer, as well as Italian, Spanish, Polish and German nationals were among those killed.

18 March 2015
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE