IPU Condemns Killing of Tunisian Opposition Leader

GENEVA, Switzerland -  Inter-Parlementary Union (IPU) has condemned the killing of Tunisian opposition leader Mohammed Brahmi and is urging authorities in the North African country to ensure those responsible are found and brought to justice quickly.

Brahmi, who was the leader of the opposition Movement of the People Party and a member of Tunisia's Constituent Assembly, is the second politician to have been killed in six months.

The killing of secular politician Chokri Belaid who was shot by assailants in Tunis, led to a political crisis in the country where street protests ignited the start of the Arab Spring. To date, his killers have not been named.

"A strong, vocal political opposition able to speak openly and without fear of reprisal is key to a healthy, vibrant democracy," says IPU Secretary General Anders B. Johnsson.

"An elected MP, Mohammed Brahmi represented his constituents, their views and their aspirations for a new Tunisia. IPU urges the Tunisian authorities to better protect the political opposition and ensure Tunisia remains committed to establishing a fully representative, democratic and peaceful society."