UN 鈥榞ravely concerned鈥� over Tunisia detention of Libya expert

The UN said Tunisia are violating the immunities Moncef Kartas enjoys. (AFP/File)
  • Tunisian authorities accuse the expert of spying
  • The UN sent four separate legal notes to Tunisia

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations has expressed its 鈥済rave concern鈥� over the detention in Tunisia of a UN expert tasked with investigating violations of a Libya arms embargo.
鈥淭he arrest and detention by the Tunisian authorities of Moncef Kartas... while he was performing his official duties is a matter of very grave concern,鈥� 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 鈥渟pying for foreign parties,鈥� according to Tunisian authorities.
Kartas was on Thursday brought before an investigative judge who 鈥渄ecided to continue鈥� his detention, Stephane Dujarric said.
鈥淭he continued detention is in violation of the privileges and immunities that Mr. Kartas enjoys,鈥� he added.
The UN has engaged with Tunisia鈥檚 government 鈥渁t the highest levels,鈥� according to the spokesman, making clear its legal position through four separate legal notes.
But the government had 鈥渇ailed to provide an adequate response,鈥� he said.
Tunisia鈥檚 interior ministry said last month 鈥渃onfidential documents containing sensitive detailed data capable of harming national security鈥� were seized in relation to UN expert鈥檚 arrest.
It also alleged technical equipment for jamming and intercepting communications 鈥� banned in Tunisia 鈥� had been confiscated.
Kartas was appointed to the panel of experts in 2016, tasked with investigating violations of an arms embargo on Libya.
The panel reports to the UN sanctions committee on Libya and details its findings in an annual report. An interim report is due in June.
Previous reports by the panel have found that arms and ammunition have repeatedly been delivered to warring parties in Libya in violation of the UN embargo, with the involvement of member states.