The Tunisian Engineers' Order (OIT) has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of several engineers in connection with the El-Menzah stadium affair. In a statement, the OIT conveyed its full solidarity with the detained individuals and their families, while reaffirming its commitment to the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial. The OIT emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary and trust in state institutions.
The OIT is advocating for a specific law on engineer liability, which would clearly define their rights, duties, and limits of responsibility. The union wants to prevent engineers from being scapegoats for projects gone wrong, or bearing the weight of decisions and errors beyond their authority. They stress the need to distinguish between technical or assessment errors, administrative shortcomings, and deliberate infractions or corruption.
The OIT cited articles 25, 26, and 27 of the 1982 decree organizing the engineering profession, calling for the use of professional mechanisms and specialized technical expertise to establish responsibilities on scientific and objective grounds. The union announced it would provide necessary professional and legal support to the detained engineers, opposing collective or external responsibility that doesn't align with their competencies.
The OIT demanded that the detained engineers be released and allowed to maintain their freedom, with guarantees for their appearance and defense rights, without hindering the investigation. The union emphasized that defending engineers doesn't mean justifying errors or tolerating corruption, but rather ensuring the fight against corruption doesn't compromise the presumption of innocence and dignity of engineers.
The El-Menzah stadium affair has sparked controversy, with several engineers detained in connection with alleged irregularities. The OIT's statement comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of engineers and the need for clear guidelines on their responsibilities. The union's call for the engineers' release reflects the tension between the need for accountability and the protection of individual rights.
The OIT's advocacy for engineers' rights and interests reflects a broader effort to promote professionalism and fairness in the engineering sector. By pushing for a specific law on engineer liability, the union aims to establish a clear framework for engineers' responsibilities and prevent arbitrary or unjust treatment.
As the investigation into the El-Menzah stadium affair continues, the OIT's stance on the detained engineers' release will likely have significant implications for the case and the broader engineering community. The union's commitment to supporting its members and promoting a fair and transparent process underscores the complexities and challenges of navigating corruption allegations in Tunisia.
Key points
- OIT demands freedom for detained engineers in El-Menzah stadium case
- Tunisian Engineers' Order advocates for law on engineer liability
- OIT pushes for fair trial and presumption of innocence for engineers
