The Tunisian Embassy in Canada has announced that the body of Leila Ben Salem, a Tunisian citizen who died in Montreal on September 22, 2026, will be repatriated to Tunisia on September 30, 2026. The embassy confirmed that all necessary administrative and legal procedures have been completed, and the body will be transported on a Tunisian Airlines flight. The embassy expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for her soul to rest in peace.
The Tunisian Embassy in Canada and the Consulate in Montreal immediately initiated procedures with Canadian federal authorities and the Quebec provincial government to obtain information on the circumstances of Ben Salem's death and to closely follow developments in the case. The Ambassador of Tunisia to Canada, Asaad Boutara, and the Consul in Montreal, Kamel Mekas, personally contacted the family of the deceased to offer condolences and express their full solidarity with them.
The embassy has also made official efforts with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express its appreciation for the tribute paid to Ben Salem by the Canadian political and parliamentary class. The embassy requested the ministry's swift and customary intervention with the relevant authorities to uncover the truth behind the circumstances of the tragedy and take necessary judicial action to protect the interests of the victim, her son, and her family.
The Tunisian Embassy in Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and interests of Tunisians residing in Canada, a country with which Tunisia shares linguistic, cultural, and humanitarian ties. The embassy stated that it will accompany Tunisians in Canada during difficult and painful moments, in addition to its institutional responsibilities.
The death of Leila Ben Salem has sparked an outpouring of condolences from the Canadian political and parliamentary class, highlighting the strong ties between Tunisia and Canada. The Canadian government has been urged to take swift action to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ben Salem's death and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The repatriation of Ben Salem's body to Tunisia is expected to take place on September 30, 2026, and will be carried out with full respect for the family's wishes and in accordance with Canadian and Tunisian regulations. The embassy has expressed its gratitude to the Canadian authorities for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.
The incident has highlighted the importance of international cooperation and coordination in cases involving citizens abroad. The Tunisian Embassy in Canada has demonstrated its commitment to providing support and assistance to Tunisian citizens in Canada, and the Canadian government has pledged to work closely with the embassy to ensure that justice is served.
Key points
- The Tunisian Embassy in Canada has confirmed its commitment to defending the rights and interests of Tunisians residing in Canada.
- The body of Leila Ben Salem will be repatriated to Tunisia on September 30, 2026.
- The embassy has requested the Canadian government to take swift action to investigate the circumstances surrounding Ben Salem's death.
