‘Little has been done by the authorities to ensure that reported attacks against members of the opposition are adequately investigated’ - Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui

The Tunisian authorities must conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the killing of the opposition leader party Mohamed Brahmi today.

Brahmi - the leader of the Tunisian leftist opposition party the Popular Current (Courant Populaire, El Tayyar El Chaabi) and also a member of the National Constituent Assembly, a critical voice against the ruling party Ennahda - was shot dead outside his home in Tunis.

His murder, on the anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Tunisia, comes just months after another opposition leader, Chokri Belaid, was shot dead in February - sending shockwaves through Tunisian society and prompting the resignation of the then prime minister.

Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said:

“The targeting of a member of the National Constituent Assembly is a blow to the rule of law in Tunisia.

“A truly independent and impartial investigation into the killing must be immediately opened.

“Delivering justice for these two killings and other violent attacks against individuals must be an urgent priority in Tunisia.  

“So far, little has been done by the authorities to ensure that reported attacks against members of the opposition are adequately investigated and those responsible are brought to justice, fuelling a climate of impunity and increasing political polarisation.

“The Tunisian authorities have a duty to protect all individuals, including those who criticise the government or Tunisia’s leading Ennahda party, from violence, and to act against individuals and groups who commit acts of violence, regardless of their affiliation.

“As Tunisians take to the streets to protest against Mohamed Brahmi’s killing, we urge the security forces to refrain from unnecessary or excessive use of force, and to ensure that people can express their views peacefully and freely.”