Tourists' lawsuit fails
2004-10-27 14:50
Hanover - A German court rejected on Wednesday a lawsuit against travel operator TUI from a couple whose son was seriously burned in a terrorist attack on a Tunisian synagogue.
Michael and Andrea Esper argued that TUI had not properly warned them of the terrorist threat. But the Hanover state court ruled on Wednesday that the company had behaved reasonably.
Adrian Esper, 6, suffered burns to 40% of his body in the April 11 2002, blast at a historic synagogue on the Tunisian island of Djerba, The blast killed 14 Germans, two French citizens and five Tunisians, including the suspected bomber. The Espers had sought $128 000 in compensation.
The family plans to appeal, Michael Esper said.
The Espers booked their vacation through 1-2-Fly, a TUI company. Their visit to the synagogue was arranged by the firm.
The company's defence argued that the TUI could not have predicted the attacks, arguing that there were no signs of violence in Tunisia beforehand. The attack has been linked to al-Qaeda.
Last year, German and Tunisian interior ministers, meeting just ahead of the anniversary of the attacks, signed an agreement to combat terrorism. Michael Esper now heads an organisation that helps terror victims.
- AP