The inquests in to the deaths of 30 British Nationals in a terrorist attack in Tunisia begin today (Monday, January 16) at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Tunisian student Seifeddine Rezgui opened fire with a Kalashnikov assault rifle on a beach at the resort of Sousse on June 26 2015, in what is the deadliest non-state attack on Tunisia ever.
Thirty-eight people died after Rezgui – who had ties to the so-called Islamic State – opened fire on the beach and at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel, co-owned at the time by UK tour operator Thomson.
A further 39 people were wounded in the attack.
In hearings expected to last seven weeks, evidence will be heard from staff working for Tui, the parent company of Thomson, as well as the British Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a pathologist and ballistics experts at the Metropolitan Police.
Over the course of the inquest, evidence specifically relating to the deaths of all 30 Britons who lost their lives will be examined.
The coroner, HRH Loraine-Smith, will also hear about Rezgui’s background and planning, and take on board the report written by Tunisian Judge Akremi.
Bircham Dyson Bell are Solicitors to the inquests, the majority of which will be heard in open court.
Conclusions are expected by late February.
See also
Health and safety audit ‘did not include security checks’
Imperial Marhaba ‘had six working CCTV cameras’
Authorities had plans for new tourist police squadron prior to attack
FCO stance queried by Tui legal chief
Operators ‘carried out no security assessments’
Foreign Office called for increased security measures