The Tunisian embassy in Canada 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 Canadian authorities to ensure a smooth process. The repatriation will take place after all necessary administrative and legal formalities have been completed, with the agreement of her family.
The embassy has launched official démarches with the Canadian federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging them to intervene with the competent services to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the murder and pursue the necessary judicial proceedings. This aims to preserve the interests of the victim, her son, and her family. The Tunisian authorities are seeking justice and accountability in this tragic case.
Following the incident, the Tunisian embassy and consulate in Montreal have been working together with the Canadian federal authorities and the Quebec government to gather information and closely monitor the case. The embassy's efforts have been focused on providing support to the family of the victim and ensuring that their rights are protected.
The Tunisian ambassador to Canada, Lasaad Boutara, and the consul, Kamel Makkas, have personally contacted the family of Leïla Ben Salem to offer their condolences and solidarity. The embassy has also expressed its gratitude for the tributes paid to the deceased by the Canadian political and parliamentary class.
Leïla Ben Salem was murdered in her Montreal apartment on September 22, 2026. According to Canadian media reports, she was participating in a virtual meeting with a colleague when an individual burst into her home and struck her with a blunt object. The circumstances surrounding the murder are still under investigation.
The Tunisian embassy in Canada has reiterated its commitment to defending the rights of Tunisian nationals in Canada and accompanying them in difficult times. The embassy's role in this case has been crucial in ensuring that the family of the victim receives the necessary support and assistance.
The case has highlighted the importance of international cooperation in seeking justice and accountability for crimes committed abroad. The Tunisian authorities will continue to work closely with their Canadian counterparts to ensure that those responsible for Leïla Ben Salem's murder are brought to justice.
Key points
- The Tunisian embassy in Canada is seeking clarity on the circumstances surrounding Leïla Ben Salem's murder.
- The body of Leïla Ben Salem will be repatriated to Tunisia on September 30, 2026.
- The Tunisian authorities are committed to defending the rights of Tunisian nationals in Canada.
