News24
16 May 2019, 02:11 GMT+10
The United Nations on Wednesday rejected Tunisia's reasons for the arrest in March of a UN expert on suspicion of espionage and demanded that charges against him be dropped.
Tunisia had submitted documents to the United Nations detailing the case against Moncef Kartas, a member of the UN panel of experts on Libya, who was detained on arrival in Tunis on March 26.
After reviewing the documents, the UN formally notified Tunisia's government that Kartas enjoys diplomatic immunity and "requested Mr Kartas' immediate release and for the charges against him to be dropped," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
The United Nations "remains very concerned by the continued detention and prosecution" of Kartas, a Tunisian-German dual national who has been a member of the panel since 2016.
The spokesman declined to provide details on the documents submitted by Tunisia, but made clear that the contents were unconvincing.
In mid-April, the world body had asked Tunisia to provide the reasons for his arrest, in line with its international legal obligations.
Kartas' lawyers have said that the charges were linked to the arms expert's possession of a device allowing him to have access to data on flights of civil and commercial aircraft.
The panel of experts investigates allegations of violations of the arms embargo and other sanctions imposed on Libya.
On April 4, Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar launched an operation to seize the capital Tripoli from the UN-recognised government.
The panel has reported that arms and ammunition deliveries continue to reach warring parties despite the UN embargo - with the involvement of member states.
Get a daily dose of Broadcast Communications news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Broadcast Communications.
More InformationREDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: Some 32 percent of global semiconductor production could face climate change-related copper supply disruptions...
(Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Amazon Prime Video has hired veteran broadcaster Kevin Harlan to call NBA games during...
Ganderbal (Srinagar) [India], July 10 (ANI): The Indian Army launched Radio Kangan 88.4 FM in Wussan, Ganderbal, Central Kashmir, to...
On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across...
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): Amid a controversy over the Udaipur Files movie, based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in...
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 9 (ANI): The Gyanvapi Sangharsh Samiti in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, which includes the female...
New Delhi [India], July 9 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed a special screening of the controversial film 'Udaipur...