The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, leading journalists and media executives in over 112 countries, strongly condemns the violent attack on French journalist Christophe Boltanski that occurred in the capital city Tunis on the evening of 11 November. The attack occurred just days before the United Nations sponsored World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) on the future of the Internet is set to begin on 16 November.

Boltanski, a correspondent for the French daily Libération, was assaulted by four men in the street near his hotel in the embassy district. The attackers blinded him with pepper spray before throwing him to the ground, punching and kicking him. One of the attackers stabbed Boltanski in the lower back during the assault.

Although Boltanski reportedly called for help in the heavily policed neighbourhood, guards standing outside the nearby Czech Embassy did not intervene. The assailants disappeared after stealing his bag containing a small amount of cash, a USB computer memory stick, a mobile phone and a return air ticket to Paris.

The attack took place a day after Libération published Boltanski’s report about clashes between police and activists protesting in support of seven hunger strikers campaigning for the release of political prisoners in Tunisia.

On 12 November Tunisian authorities arrested two individuals suspected of carrying out the attack but authorities have not released any other information regarding the investigation

Commenting on the attack, IPI Director Johann P. Fritz said “Long held concerns that the safety of journalists covering the WSIS would not be guaranteed if this UN summit was to take place in Tunisia, are justified by this brutal assault.”

“In the months leading up to the WSIS advocacy groups around the world have urged Tunisian authorities to respond to international concerns over continued violations of press freedom and freedom of expression and to put an end the persecution and intimidation of journalists and media workers. This latest attack suggests that few steps have been taken to ensure a safer and more open environment for those reporting on political events.”

Fritz added “We urge the Tunisian authorities to ensure that all journalists have the right to freely report on all WSIS events. We also call on them to continue the investigation into the assault on Boltanski and to publicize any information that sheds light on the motive behind the attack and the identities of the assailants.”