Families Call For Government Evidence To Be Made Public

The fifth and final pre-inquest review into the 2015 Tunisia terrorist attack will take place on Thursday 1st December.

On 26 June 2015 38 people were killed and a similar number injured during a terrorist attack in Sousse, Tunisia. The full inquests into the death of 30 British victims will begin on 16 January 2017 and will be listed for 6-8 weeks.

At the fifth and final pre-inquest review on 1st December, the timetable, witnesses and evidence for the full Inquests will be discussed. Her Majesty’s Government has applied to have evidence considered behind closed doors due to its sensitivity. Solicitors at Irwin Mitchell representing 20 families have raised concerns as they feel the families should have an unrestricted right to hear the evidence in full.

Irwin Mitchell is currently representing 20 of the families who lost loved ones in the attack as well as many of those who suffered physical and psychological injuries.

Clive Garner, head of the specialist international personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is likely to be the final opportunity to consider the evidence that will be available at the full inquests and the witnesses that will be called. The families feel that it is important that all available information is shared with the court, particularly in relation to the safety procedures and protocols put in place following the previous acts of terrorism in the country just months earlier.

“The Government is applying to have some evidence heard behind closed doors and while we recognise the need to safeguard information critical to national security, this needs to be balanced with the families right to a transparent and open hearing." Clive Garner - Consultant

The attack in Sousse in June came less than two years after a suicide bomber died on Sousse beach and three months after a terrorist attack at the Bardo Museum in Tunis resulted in the deaths of 20 foreign tourists.

Clive Garner added: 

Expert Opinion

“It is crucial that when the full Inquests take place next January, they shed light on exactly what happened during the attack and the lead up to it. There are serious concerns about was done in the face of what appears to have been an escalating threat of terrorist activity in Tunisia prior to the events in Sousse.

“Obviously nothing can bring back those who lost their lives in such tragic circumstances, but the families we represent are seeking to have their questions answered and for lessons to be learned to reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring in the future.” Clive Garner - Consultant

If you or a loved one has suffered due to the devastating events in Tunisia, our personal injury claims team could help you to secure the compensation you deserve. See our Hijacking and Terrorism Claims page for more information.