The Tunisian embassy in Canada has announced that the body of Leïla Ben Salem, a 45-year-old woman murdered in Montreal, will be repatriated to Tunisia on September 30, 2026, aboard a Tunisair flight. The embassy has been working closely with the family to facilitate the return of her remains. This move comes after the Canadian authorities completed the necessary formalities and obtained the family's consent.

The Tunisian ambassador to Canada, Lasaad Boutara, and the consul in Montreal, Kamel Makkas, have been actively involved in the case. They have personally contacted the family of the victim to offer condolences and solidarity. The embassy has also been working with the federal Canadian authorities and the Quebec government to gather information and closely monitor the case.

According to Canadian media reports, Leïla Ben Salem was killed in her apartment in Montreal on September 22, 2026. She was allegedly participating in a virtual meeting with a colleague when an individual entered her home and struck her with a blunt object. The motive behind the crime and the identity of the perpetrator remain unclear.

The Tunisian embassy has initiated official démarches with the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging them to intervene with the relevant authorities to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder. The goal is to ensure that the interests of the victim, her son, and her family are protected, and that the perpetrator is brought to justice.

The embassy has noted that the Canadian political and parliamentary class has paid tribute to Leïla Ben Salem, highlighting the impact of her death on the community. The ambassador and consul have been working to ensure that the rights of Tunisian nationals in Canada are defended and that they receive support during difficult times.

The Canadian authorities have been working to investigate the murder, but no further details have been released. The Tunisian embassy's efforts aim to ensure that the case receives the necessary attention and that justice is served. The repatriation of Leïla Ben Salem's body marks a crucial step in the process of closure for her family.

The Tunisian embassy's statement underscores its commitment to supporting its citizens abroad, particularly in times of crisis. The case of Leïla Ben Salem has highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing crimes that affect citizens of different countries.

Key points

  • - The Tunisian embassy in Canada is pressing for a thorough investigation into the murder of Leïla Ben Salem. - The body of Leïla Ben Salem will be repatriated to Tunisia on September 30, 2026. - The Canadian authorities are working to investigate the murder, with the Tunisian embassy offering support to the family of the victim.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.