British man to return to the UK after being convicted for New Year’s Eve 'Saddam' bar braw

June 28 2007

Justice campaigners Fair Trials Abroad (FTA) today expressed relief that British man Stephen Brown, 55, of Limehouse in East London will soon be reunited with his family after receiving a 2 year suspended sentence in Tunisia for defending himself in a bar scuffle over the execution of Saddam Hussein.

Father-of-five Stephen was enjoying New Year’s Eve with his wife in a hotel bar in Hammamet when he was attacked by a local Tunisian man, who witnesses later said had been drinking heavily and behaving aggressively towards other customers and staff.

Witnesses in the bar reported he declared that ‘all Americans and Brits should be killed’ over the execution of Saddam Hussein and then attacked Stephen, punching him. Defending himself, Stephen hit back.

The man continued his attack, attempting to kick Stephen but falling over and injuring his leg. He was taken to hospital and Stephen was arrested and charged with actual bodily harm. He was refused bail and will have spent almost 6 months in prison upon release.

“While it is most welcome news that Stephen is to return to the UK, it is a cause for concern that a British man of previous good character, on holiday with his wife, was singled out for attack by a local man aggrieved at the British government’s policy towards Iraq and Saddam Hussein” said FTA lawyer Saima Hirji.

“Despite supportive witness statements that Stephen was not the aggressor and did not cause the principal injury sustained by his attacker, he now returns to the UK with a criminal conviction. This is very disappointing” she concluded.

Stephen also received a fine of £8000, which his lawyer is appealing against.

The other man has also now been arrested for his part in the brawl and was granted bail. His case is pending.