Initially, the State and local authorities’s silence was deafening. Then, on Saturday July 8, the President finally made a statement, declaring that migrants were being “treated humanely (…) and in alignment with Tunisia’s core values.” He also dismissed the existence of violence, attributing it to the dissemination of “misinformation” by certain individuals.

“Who murdered him? How did he die? And even if they’re migrants, (…) should all migrants be blamed? Such crimes can happen, but you don’t punish everyone!”.

“These are crimes against humanity”

At the end of a dimly lit corridor, M., originally from Sierra Leone, is sitting in a room on the edge of a bed. Fatigue is clearly visible on his face. He’s not hurt, but lying down next to him, his 6-year-old son has a fractured leg. “The mob attacked us while we were asleep. They were carrying knives and shoved us. My child fell down and broke his leg.” the father said.

His eyes are filled with tears as he recounts his story. He lost everything in the attack. He has no money to pay for his son’s care. “I don’t know what to do. I think I have to stay here for a while (…) But I don’t have any money, they took all of it”.

C. is gritting his teeth on the other bed due to the pain radiating from his freshly cast leg. Next to him lies a document confirming that he can leave the hospital. “But where to?!” cried C. He jumped out of the window of his apartment building to escape from his attackers, who had come to kick him out. Home is no longer an option. He has nowhere else to go.

A sheet of paper is attached to his discharge notice, detailing his personal information and state of health. Next to the “Fracture” box, “Aggression” is mentioned as the cause of the injury.