Tunisia: National and International Human Rights Defenders call on the government to shed light on the disappearance of Sofiane Chourabi and Nadhir Ktari
From June 17 to 20, a delegation representing thirteen human rights organizations met several Tunisian politicians regarding Sofiane Chourabi and Nadhir Ktari, journalists missing in Libya since September 2014. They requested more transparency and better coordination between policy initiatives and those of civil society to shed light on this issue.
The coalition of organizations called for the creation of a common crisis unit. This entity would, according Organizations, better coordination between civil society and the Tunisian authorities on the case. They also recalled that the establishment of a common strategy would allow the analysis and use of information collected since September 2014.
The organizations also asked for several clarifications, including the unclear management issue since September 8, 2014 by government authorities and the late opening of a judicial inquiry.
Tunisian politicians presented their views and details of efforts involving parties in Libya and abroad. They reported having provided all means available for the elucidation of this case at the security, diplomatic, and legal levels. A judicial investigation is also under way since January 2015 and led to a visit to a Tunisian magistrate in Libya, following the statements given by the Government of Tobruk on 28 April.
The signatories indicated having been welcomed by the Tunisian authorities, on the establishment of a new coordinating body. Members of the government have also welcomed the commitment of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists and its partners on this issue.
The coordination of civil society organizations is born of the desire to shed light on the disappearance of Sofiane Chourabi and Nadhir Ktari, and to better protect journalists and fight against impunity for crimes committed against them.
The coalition consists of the following national and international organizations and associations:
- National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists
- The Civil Coalition for the Defense of Freedom of Expression
- Tunisian League of Human Rights
- Support Committee of Sofiane and Nadhir
- Tunisian Center for Press Freedom
- Reporters Without Borders
- Article 19 Organization
- Lawyers without Borders
- Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN)
- International Federation for Human Rights
- Human Rights Watch
- World Association of Community Broadcasters (AMARC)
- SM Solutions