The legal standoff around the Gabès chemical complex resumes this Thursday, with a new hearing devoted to the request for suspension of the polluting activities of the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT). At stake: the jurisdiction of the summary judge, contested by the defense, but vigorously defended by residents and local associations, who cite a proven health emergency.
According to Me Mehdi Talmoudi, lawyer for the plaintiffs’ collective, the postponement of the hearing was requested by the GCT to exclude the case from summary proceedings, a rapid procedure adapted to emergency situations.
“We are keen to maintain the case before the summary judge, because the situation does not suffer any delay,” he declared on Jawhara FM.
The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy must also present its report to the court this Thursday.
Overwhelming medical evidence
The plaintiffs support their action on a voluminous file of 300 medical certificates, 30 of which were included in the file to prove the deterioration in the health of local residents.
Me Talmoudi cites in particular the case of a student victim of asphyxiation whose condition worsened despite treatment. “This case is not isolated,” he says, referring to other students suffering from tingling, discomfort and partial paralysis.
These symptoms, according to him, illustrate the direct toxic effects of the pollution emitted by the industrial units of the chemical complex.
Pressure mounts in Gabès
In a region marked for decades by the nuisances of the industrial complex, tension remains high. Residents and local associations are demanding the immediate suspension of the most polluting activities, believing that the State, owner of the GCT, cannot evade its environmental and health responsibility.
Citizen mobilizations are increasing, denouncing “the inaction of the authorities” and demanding urgent protection measures for the population and the coastal ecosystem.
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