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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
a Guardian reporter in Sfax

The brutal truth behind Italy’s migrant reduction: beatings and rape by EU-funded forces in Tunisia

A small group of people on rocky ground next to a body of water holding placards, one reads 'Tunisia government is killing us slowly, we need help'
Migrants beg for help in Ras Jedir on the Libya-Tunisia border after being expelled from Sfax last year. Desperate stories have emerged of the fate of those travelling to the Tunisian city. Photograph: EPA

When she saw them, lined up at the road checkpoint, Marie sensed the situation might turn ugly. Four officers, each wearing the combat green of Tunisia’s national guard. They asked to look inside her bag.

“There was nothing, just some clothes.” For weeks Marie had traversed the Sahara, travelling 3,000 miles from home. Now, minutes from her destination – the north coast of Africa – she feared she might not make it.

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