Calls for Prompt Bringing to Justice of Perpetrators

New York/The Hague, 2nd August 2013:

PGA Members worldwide have expressed profound shock at the assassination of Mohamed Brahmi, a leading, opposition Member of Parliament in Tunisia on 25th July, 2013. PGA recalls, in this regard, that this is the second assassination of a prominent Member of Parliament within 5 months in Tunisia, following the murder of another leading member of the opposition, Chokri Belaid, in February 2013.

PGA calls for the prompt bringing to justice of those responsible for the assassination of both Members of Parliament in the sure knowledge that impunity will only undermine the still nascent democratic steps taking hold in Tunisia. .

Tunisia’s recent commitment to the Rule of Law is clear in becoming the first State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) from the North African region in June 2011, during its period of transition following the so-called Arab Spring.

On that important day in June 2011, PGA Board Member Ms. Marie Nordén, MP (Sweden), recalled that, “no revolutionary or reformist advancement can be taken for granted: There are many challenges ahead for Tunisian society and it is a great achievement for the Transitional administration to ensure that justice and accountability are not forgotten, but prioritized in the process of change and transformation to a fully-fledged democracy”.

The assassination of both Mohammed Brahmi during the month of Ramadan and, earlier this year, Chokri Belaid represent not only terrible personal tragedies but also pose a risk to sustained stable democracy for the citizens of Tunisia. PGA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.