TUNIS 2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY

UNCLAS TUNIS 000071 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FO DS/OSAC AND DS/IP/NEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC TS SUBJECT: TUNIS 2008 ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT REF: 07 STATE 168473 ¶1. OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION: CRIME: The Department of State rates Tunisia a medium threat country for crime. The most common criminals are pickpockets, purse-snatchers and snatch-and-run cell-phone thieves who primarily work in the high-traffic tourist areas such as the Tunis medina and the central market, as well as other large Tunisian cities. Beach resorts present a mix of snatch-and-grab, vehicle break-ins, and scam attempts due to the large number of tourists who vacation in Tunisia especially during the summertime. Target selection tends to focus on persons who appear unfamiliar with their surroundings or those who are dressed in expensive clothing or jewelry and otherwise draw attention to themselves. Thieves, usually single males, will often target western women walking alone and then rob their victim (day or night) once the opportunity (no bystanders or passing vehicles) presents itself. Young men on motor scooters will pass women on the street and, while one drives the scooter, the other snatches a handbag or cell phone from the victim as they speed by. Sometimes, the victim is thrown to the ground causing serious injury if she does not release her bag. Although vehicle break-ins occur frequently, vehicle theft and carjackings are rare. Burglaries are occurring with more regularity, but do not exclusively focus on the expatriate community. Privately, many Tunisians acknowledge that crime is on the increase as the growing middle class offers criminals more opportunity for theft. Since most burglaries are crimes of opportunity, a well-secured home is often reason enough for the thieves to move on. With this in mind, middle class Tunisian families have taken measures to improve their residential security by installing grillwork over their windows and doors. Residential break-ins occur often during the day when homes are unoccupied, although occupied break-ins are not unheard of. It is best to keep doors locked, even when the residence is occupied. It can be assumed that burglars are prepared for confrontation, but are generally not predisposed to it. Although criminals are prepared to be confrontational, most generally avoid gratuitous violence. For the most part, crimes of stealth are usually committed by a thief who is unarmed or armed with non-lethal weapons. However, it has also been noted that criminals will rifle through a woman's purse on a crowded bus or train, undeterred by onlookers. In this regard, visitors are advised to guard their possessions carefully when riding public transportation. It is also becoming more common for victims to notice their bag or jacket was sliced and valuable contents stealthily removed after walking through or standing in a crowded area. Violent crime remains relatively rare in affluent areas where most expatriates reside. It is illegal to possess a firearm without government approval and the government will authorize approval to carry a firearm only in the most grievous and extreme circumstances. Even then, a heavy burden is placed upon the citizen to justify the request. If you are victimized, immediately proceed to the nearest hotel or shopkeeper who can direct you, or will call for you, the nearest police officer. Police are generally omnipresent at the beach resorts during the summer tourist season and do have some success in capturing these criminals when given a good description of the perpetrator. SAFETY: The most significant safety threat a visitor to Tunisia faces is the indigenous style of driving. Among their many traits, local drivers rarely look before changing lanes, commonly run through red lights and are generally oblivious to other vehicles on the road. Traffic police man intersections throughout Tunis and other major cities. Police are known to pull vehicles over for speeding, reckless driving or to check papers. Due to the local driving style in Tunisia, short-term visitors are discouraged from driving themselves. Visitors and residents alike should always wear seatbelts and are strongly encouraged to bring an approved car seat for infants and young children. Infant and child seats are difficult to locate and expensive to purchase in Tunisia. If you do drive in Tunisia, practice good defensive driving skills. Ensure sufficient braking distance between your vehicle and those in front of you. Remain conscious of individuals that may materialize in the median or shoulder and cross the street disregarding the approaching traffic. When stopped at a light, beware of pedestrians crossing between the waiting cars. Scooter drivers often ride near the right shoulder and may not be easily visible, especially when cars travel at higher speed or at night. Vehicle accidents often attract a crowd of onlookers but these crowds seldom become violent or angry. Individuals involved in traffic accidents are not required to file a police report unless there are injuries as a result of the collision. In that case, all injured persons must be transported to the nearest medical facility and must file an accident report as soon as possible. Most public hospitals have police on-site to facilitate the reporting process. For routine accidents, both parties must complete and sign a "constat amiable," which is forwarded to their respective insurance agencies for resolution. Drivers should be aware that if they are involved in a motor vehicle accident which results in death or serious injury of another person, the police may take them into protective custody until they are absolved of responsibility. This can mean spending a period varying from one day to two months in detention. As with any arrest or detention overseas, Americans taken into custody should immediately request that the police inform the Embassy of their whereabouts. Alternatives to driving include taxis, which are generally cheap, safe and reliable. The government of Tunisia regulates taxis and requires that drivers use meters. Do not enter a taxi with other fares and do not allow your taxi driver to pick up other individuals. If you feel that a taxi driver is taking advantage of you, write down his taxi number and inform the police. Because tourism is so vital to Tunisia's economy, the police have been known to track down and arrest dishonest drivers. Trains are generally safe. Travelers should refrain from boarding any train that is overcrowded to avoid pickpockets (see Crime above). Visitors are discouraged from using public buses as they are not well maintained and women have reported being groped, especially during peak periods when they are overcrowded. Private and charter buses are generally better maintained and usually limit the number of passengers. ¶2. POLITICAL VIOLENCE: Tunisia is a moderate, Muslim country that has enjoyed peace and political stability since gaining its independence from France in 1956. Despite the heightened tensions in the region since the September 11 terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq, the Government of Tunisia continues to promote moderation and encourage engagement in the Middle East peace process. Anti-American rhetoric in Tunisia has largely been confined to media criticism of U.S. regional policies and individual expressions of frustration. The Embassy is unaware of any acts of violence perpetrated against American interests, public or private, as a result of the war on terrorism or related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, a synagogue in the island of Djerba was the target of a terrorist attack on April 11, 2002 for which al-Qaida claimed responsibility. Twenty civilians were killed. More recently, in December 2006 and January 2007, the Government of Tunisia announced that Tunisian security forces engaged and disrupted a terrorist group, killing or capturing many individuals who reportedly planned to carry out acts of violence in Tunisia. According to official government reports, the U.S. Embassy in Tunis was among the group,s intended targets. In December 2007, thirty individuals were given varying sentences for their involvement in these events. In light of this, the U.S. Embassy in Tunis reminds all Americans to maintain a high level of vigilance in regard to their personal security and to remain aware of local developments. Suspicious incidents should immediately reported to local police and the U.S. Embassy. Tunisian President Ben Ali continues to place a high priority on fighting terrorism and maintaining law and order. Tunisia's dependence on tourism as a source of convertible currency has contributed, in part, to the continuedQxpansion of the internal security services. Police are highly visible and ensure that the country's image remains one of tranquil stability. The focus on security and a growing economy have helped Tunisia avoid many of the problems faced by other nations in the region. One of the few outbreaks of political violence in the country's history took place in 1991 when members of the local Islamic party committed acts of violence after it had been banned by the government. The government ultimately arrested and prosecuted nearly 250 of its members. Small demonstrations occur occasionally on university campuses and typically protest fee increases, salary levels for professors, and administrative policies. Other politically motivated demonstrations are rarely allowed but do break out occasionally on university campuses. These activities are not considered a threat to Tunisia's stability and have not targeted American interests. The police handle most protests and demonstrations peacefully and without incident; however, police will not hesitate to use force to break up a protest or demonstration in order to quell the disturbance. ¶3. POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS: U.S. businesses or American citizens living in or visiting Tunisia should be aware that English is not widely spoken in Tunisia. Individuals without the ability to communicate in French or Arabic will find conducting personal or professional business difficult. Women face no specific dress restrictions but conservative clothing helps avoid attracting undue attention and harassment. Reports of verbal and occasionally physical harassment of women are reported. However disagreeable, the U.S. Embassy recommends against responding physically to incidents of harassment due to the risk of sustaining further harm should the situation escalate. Injuries or physical violence have generally not been associated with harassment in Tunisia and most incidents end quickly if the perpetrator is ignored or reported immediately to a nearby police officer. When driving, ensure that doors are locked and windows rolled up to avoid being victimized by opportunists at intersections and stoplights. U.S. Embassy reporting indicates that this type of street crime is more prevalent in the downtown, crowded sections of Tunis; less prevalent in the more affluent neighborhoods and the northern suburbs of Tunis. During the winter months, extended downpours have been known to overwhelm Tunis,s storm drains and flood streets. The city will effectively shut down due to washed-out roads as bypasses become overburdened with diverted traffic. The threat of kidnapping is not a significant issue in Tunisia's major cities. Travelers to sparsely populated areas near the Algerian border in the Sahara should exercise extreme vigilance since kidnapping in that region cannot be ruled out. Should a kidnapping occur, the U.S. Embassy expects the police would respond appropriately. Use and possession of illegal drugs and drug trafficking are serious offenses in Tunisia. Persons arrested for these crimes can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia and can be punished by imprisonment. Possession of pornography can also lead to imprisonment. There are no known private security firms that have trained personnel who can provide executive protection services to visiting businessmen and businesswomen. Additionally, the Tunisian Ministry of Interior does not allow its police officers to act in this capacity while off-duty. The U.S. Embassy is unaware of any private security or law firms who are licensed to conduct private investigations in Tunisia. Should American businesses require such services, the U.S. Embassy strongly recommends contacting the Regional Security Officer for advice on how to proceed. Depending on the nature of the request, either the Regional Security Officer or Commercial Attach will facilitate introductions to appropriate Tunisian Government officials or provide a reference list of law firms who have reputably represented American business firms in Tunisian. Federal Express, DHL, and other multi-national express delivery services can provide service to Tunisian addresses through a link with the Tunisian "Rapid Poste" System. The system works fairly well, but Tunisian customs routinely opens express mail envelopes and packages for inspection, even when clearly labeled "documents." While the U.S. Embassy knows of no cases of theft or loss of material related to express mail delivery, American business representatives should be cognizant of the possibility of review and/or loss of corporate proprietary information when using these services as well as delays in delivery. Travel in the desert areas of southern Tunisia requires research and planning. Many roads are unimproved and even well-traveled routes are subject to blowing sands that can create hazards for vehicles. Persons driving off the major paved roads are encouraged to ensure that their vehicles are appropriate for off-road driving conditions and are equipped with appropriate spare equipment and supplies including water and food. The Tunisian National Guard encourages persons traveling into the desert to register their travel beforehand. For details and how and where to register, please visit the U.S. Embassy desert travel page at http://tunis.usembassy.gov/desert travel.html. ¶4. POLICE RESPONSE: The Tunisian police are relatively well trained and professional. Many senior officials have received advanced training in Western Europe or the United States. Acutely aware of the need to maintain its image abroad and protect Tunisia's tourism industry, the police are generally responsive to visitors in need of assistance, and they ensure that their presence is particularly high in tourist and other areas frequented by foreigners. Police checkpoints are set up after dark in many areas. Some Tunisians and foreigners, including American citizens, have said the police occasionally solicit small gratuities from them. However, the American citizens affected did not believe that they had been singled out or targeted. By law, Tunisian police officers can, and do, conduct random traffic stops. Drivers are required to show their Tunisian identity card or residence permit and vehicle registration. For this reason, visitors should always have a copy of their passport on their person. Visitors who are briefly detained by the police are encouraged to remain cooperative and professional, traits that the police appreciate and that may assist in expediting a quick resolution to an arbitrary police stop. Further, insulting the police is illegal and people have been imprisoned for it. The national police provide security in major urban areas, while the paramilitary National Guard (equivalent to the State Police in the U.S.) is responsible for other areas, including the nation's roadways. Police and National Guard personnel are generally responsive to the needs of visitors but speak very limited English, if any at all. Crimes should be reported immediately to the nearest police officer. Speak with the hotel desk clerk or concierge when you need police assistance. When in public, most storeowners, shopkeepers or taxi drivers can direct you to a nearby police officer or summon one for you. NATIONWIDE EMERGENCY NUMBERS: Police (Police secours): 197 Fire Department: 198 Ambulance (SAMU): 190 ¶5. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: Medical care in Tunisia is adequate with a number of new, private "polyclinics" available that function as simple hospitals and can provide a variety of procedures. Specialized care or treatment may not be available. Facilities that can handle complex trauma cases are virtually non-existent. While most private clinics have some physicians that are fluent in English, French is used by the medical establishment and all of the ancillary staff in every clinic communicates in Arabic and/or French. Public hospitals are over crowded, under equipped and under staffed. Nursing care in all clinics, private and public is very underdeveloped and in some cases poor or non-existent. Well-equipped ambulances may not be available outside of urban areas. Even in urban areas, emergency response times can be much longer than in the U.S. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health care services although some hospitals may accept credit cards. Over-the-counter medications are available; however, travelers should bring with them a full supply of medications that are needed on a regular basis. The U.S. Embassy has a list of doctors who can be contacted for emergency prescriptions. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299),or via the CDC's internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Medical Resources in Tunisia ) The U.S. Embassy assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, of the quality of services provided by the medical professionals, medical facilities or medical services whose names appear on the following lists. Names are listed in no particular order. Private Ambulance Services Allo Docteur- Allo Ambulances, Tunis: 71-780-000 / 71-781-000 / 71-780-884 / 71-841-979 Ambulance Echifa, Tunis ) 71-585-999 / 98-243-552 Amen La Marsa Ambulance, La Marsa: 71-749-000 Apollo Ambulances, Tunis: 71-843-434 / 98-358-916 Private Medical Clinics "Polyclinics" TUNIS METRO AREA: La Soukra Clinic - 71-758-888 / 71-758-666 Polyclinic El Amen de La Marsa - 71-749-000 Clinic El Manar - 71-800-211 / 71-783-343 Centre d'Assistance Medicale Urgente, Montfleury - 71-341-807 NABEUL: Clinic Ibn Rochd - 72-286-668 SOUSSE: Clinic des Oliviers - 73-242-711 SFAX: Clinic Annafis - 74-215-000 BIZERTE: Clinic Raouebi - 72-440-200 DJERBA: Clinic Chifa - 75-500-411 GAFSA: Clinic Ennakhil - 76-210-750 Other Medical Resources: CAMUR: Centre d/Assistane Medicale Urgente et Reanimation (Poison control),Tunis ) 71-335-500 ¶6. TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM: Common sense and sound personal security practices, including a keen awareness of surroundings, are the best ways to ensure an incident-free visit. Treat the cities in Tunis as you would any major city in the United States. For example, travelers should be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance and refuse offers that sound too good to be true. Presenting a positive, confident attitude is one of the best ways to avoid crime. ¶7. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: US Embassy Tunis, 1053 Les Berges du Lac, Tunis, Tunisie If dialing from abroad, country code for Tunisia is 216. U.S. Embassy Tunis, Tunisia: 71-107-000 Regional Security Office: 71-107-341 or TunisRSO(at symbol)state.gov Consular Section: via Embassy Switchboard: 71-107-000 or ConsularTunis (at symbol)state.gov Economic and Commercial Officer: via Embassy switchboard: 71-107-000 or TunisCommercial(at symbol)state.gov ¶8. OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL: Tunisia does not currently have an OSAC Country Council but security questions and requests for more info may be directed to the Regional Security Office at the contact number and email listed above or via the following email address: OSACT(at symbol)state.gov GODEC