May 21, 1999
His Excellency Zine El-Abdine Ben Ali
President of the Republic of Tunisia
c/o His Excellency Noureddine Mejjoub
1515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Your Excellency,
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is outraged over yesterday’s assault on journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, a freelance reporter working for a number of European newspapers, including the Paris-based daily La Croix.
CPJ has learned that on May 20 at about 1:00 p.m., Ben Brik was assaulted outside his home by three men, wielding bicycle chains. Ben Brik reportedly suffered mild lacerations to his right hand before escaping the attack. He was treated later that day in the hospital for his injuries.
This violent attack appears to represent the most recent incident of official harassment against Ben Brik in response to his professional work. We last wrote to Your Excellency on April 30, 1999, protesting the Tunisian authorities refusal to allow him to travel outside the country. On April 28, 1999, Ben Brik was prevented by Tunisian authorities from leaving the country for a planned trip to Switzerland after police at Tunis-Carthage Airport confiscated his passport.
As we noted in our April 30 letter, Ben Brik has experienced other forms of aggravation: his telephone and fax lines have been regularly interrupted, his wife’s car was vandalized in front of his home in January, and he has received anonymous threatening phone calls.
CPJ respectfully urges Your Excellency to ensure that authorities initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into this deplorable assault and we urge that the findings of the investigation are made public. We also ask you to ensure that those found responsible for this crime are swiftly brought to justice. Finally, we reiterate our call to the Tunisian authorities to cease their harassment of Taoufik Ben Brik and allow him to carry out his professional duties without state interference.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt reply.
Sincerely,
Ann K. Cooper
Executive Director
Join CPJ in Protesting Attacks on the Press in Tunisisa
Send a letter to:
BR>His Excellency Zine El-Abdine Ben Ali
President of the Republic of Tunisia
c/o His Excellency Noureddine Mejjoub
1515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20005