CPJ outraged over assault on journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is outraged over the 20 May 1999 assault on journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, a freelance reporter working for a number of European newspapers, including the Paris-based daily “La Croix”. **Updates IFEX alerts of 20 May, 14 May, 28 April, 29 January and 13 January 1999 and 24 June 1998** CPJ has learned […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ is outraged over the 20 May 1999 assault on journalist
Taoufik Ben Brik, a freelance reporter working for a number of European
newspapers, including the Paris-based daily “La Croix”.

**Updates IFEX alerts of 20 May, 14 May, 28 April, 29 January and 13 January
1999 and 24 June 1998**

CPJ has learned that on 20 May, 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.
On 30 April, CPJ protested the Tunisian authorities’ refusal to allow him to
travel outside the country. On 28 April, 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.

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.

Recommended Action

His Excellency Zine El-Abdine Ben Ali

President of the Republic of Tunisia

Fax: + 216 2 744 721

or

c/o His Excellency Noureddine Mejjoub

1515 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20005