UN demands release of UN expert from ‘illegal detention’ in Tunisia
UN expert Moncef Kartas, who is being detained in Tunisia, was charged with treason and espionage and could face the death sentence if found guilty, prompting the UN to call for his release.
During a press conference in New York on May 16, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for the “immediate release and dropping charges against" UN expert Moncef Kartas.
Speaking to Univers News on May 16, one of Kartas' defense lawyers, Sarah Zaafrani, stated she is “convinced [Kartas'] case has taken a political turn."
On World Press Freedom Day on May 2, UN resident coordinator in Tunisia Diego Zorrilla urged Tunisian authorities “to free UN expert Moncef Kartas and return the technical equipment he had in his possession when he was arrested.”
Zorrilla told the Tunisia Africa Press news agency (TAP) that Moncef Kartas, who holds both Tunisian and German citizenships, is being “illegally detained.”
