The European Trade Union Confederation supports the call for a general strike by General Tunisian Workers’ Union in reaction to the assassination of Chokri Belaid
The cowardly assassination of Chokri Belaid, General Secretary and co-founder of the Popular Front, came as a profound shock to the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). This assassination is undoubtedly the work of a counter-revolutionary milieu. It is also an attack against the achievements of the democratic revolution and against Tunisian civil society which, day after day, is endeavouring to build a new Tunisia, based on freedom, human rights and equality.
Just a few days before his death, Chokri Belaid had denounced attempts to destabilise the State through violence and the machinations of obscure militias. The State did nothing to protect his life, although it should have done so, because Chokri Belaid had been receiving threats for a long time. It was no secret to anyone.
Chokri Belaid was one of those who fought, without compromise, against the dictatorship and for democratic renewal. The country has lost a peerless and emblematic personality. He paid for it with his life. He will forever remain in the collective memory of Tunisians as a man who devoted himself fully to the defence of human rights and democracy.
ETUC reiterates its full solidarity with its sister organisation, the General Tunisian Workers’ Union (known by the French initials UGTT) and with all the elements of democratic society engaged in the struggle for democracy.
Through its call for a general strike, the UGTT has assumed its role at the forefront of the fight for democracy, human rights and a non-violent transition.
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