Law Firm Irwin Mitchell Representing 83 Victims Of Sousse Terrorist Attack

The High Court in London is aiming to hear the trial of claims by more than 80 victims of the Tunisia terrorist attack in Sousse in 2015 in February 2022.

The case against Tour Operator TUI includes allegations that TUI are responsible for significant safety breaches at the Rui Imperial Marhaba Hotel resulting in the deaths of 30 British holidaymakers and serious injuries to over 50 more.   

The civil case brought by law firm Irwin Mitchell on behalf of 83 victims of the attack follows the Inquest into the deaths of 30 British holidaymakers  killed in the attack on 26 June, 2015. The tour operator denies the claims brought against it in full.

Now, at the latest High Court case management conference, a judge has outlined his intention that the trial of liability issues against TUI will begin in February 2022.

Orders were also made as to the scope of the trial and the next steps will be to agree how sensitive evidence should be handled. The complex trial is expected to last for seven weeks and involve evidence from more than 50 witnesses and experts. Some of the evidence is considered sensitive for security reasons and will be heard in private. 

Expert Opinion

“This is a highly complex and unprecedented legal case which is brought against TUI by the families of those killed and the survivors of the attack who were left seriously injured.

“The traumatic events that the victims witnessed and experienced have left both physical and emotional scars. We continue to provide all the necessary support and resources to our clients and to those who continue to mourn the loss of their loved at each and every juncture of what remains to be a lengthy process.

“The seven week inquest in January and February 2017, involved extensive case preparation, with the wide involvement of many interested parties from around the world, including the Metropolitan Police and the (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) FCDO.

“Many of the complex issues to be determined at trial are also matters of national security that are highly sensitive. Therefore we continue to follow additional evidential safeguards in the determination and use of any sensitive materials and documents in regular liaison with the FCDO in conjunction with TUI’s legal representatives.

“Every effort has been taken to substantially progress and prepare this action comprehensively, which has required us collating evidence from sources all over the world. Some of this information is considered sensitive for security reasons. We’re also still fighting for disclosure of certain documents by TUI which we believe will shed further light on their preparations for potential terrorist attacks in the region.

“The Court has now confirmed that the trial of liability issues should begin in February 2022. This is an important step forward for our clients in their long running battle to receive the justice that they deserve. Many of our clients tragically lost their loved ones and many others have been left with life changing injuries and still require significant resources to help support them in their lives. Some of our clients require additional rehabilitation and therapies and all of them want to know why they weren’t better protected.

“In the months and years leading up to this attack there was an escalation in terrorist activity in Tunisia which meant far more rigorous and effective security measures should have been in place at this hotel. While our clients have all suffered in different ways, they are united in their determination to ensure that justice is done for those killed and seriously injured and for lessons to be learned to improve safety standards for future holidaymakers." Kylie Hutchison - Senior Associate Solicitor

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