United Nations: The United Nations has expressed its “grave concern” over the detention in Tunisia of a UN expert tasked with investigating violations of a Libya arms embargo. “The arrest and detention by the Tunisian authorities of Moncef Kartas… while he was performing his official duties is a matter of very grave concern,” the spokesman for the UN secretary-general said in a statement Friday.
Tunisian Moncef Kartas was arrested in Tunis on March 26 along with a fellow national on suspicion of “spying for foreign parties”, according to Tunisian authorities. Kartas was on Thursday brought before an investigative judge who “decided to continue” his detention, Stephane Dujarric said. “The continued detention is in violation of the privileges and immunities that Mr Kartas enjoys,” he added.
The UN has engaged with Tunisia’s government “at the highest levels”, according to the spokesman, making clear its legal position through four separate legal notes. But the government had “failed to provide an adequate response”, he said.
Tunisia’s interior ministry said last month “confidential documents containing sensitive detailed data capable of harming national security” were seized in relation to UN expert’s arrest.
