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WOLF STATEMENT ON RELEASE OF BENGHAZI ATTACK SUSPECT
Tunisian Suspect Should Have Continued to be Detained

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2013) – Following the unexpected release of a Tunisian terror suspect in the Benghazi attack, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) released  the following statement:

“I am very disappointed that Ali Harzi, a key suspect in the September 11 terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate and annex in Benghazi, was released by Tunisian authorities today.  I have every reason to believe that Harzi was involved in the attack, which took the lives of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador, and resulted in the destruction of two U.S. facilities.  For months following the attack, the Tunisian government blocked the FBI from interviewing Harzi.  Now Harzi walks the streets of Tunisia a free man – facing no consequence for his role in the Benghazi attack.  

“Keep in mind that, since 2011, the American government has given $320 million in taxpayer dollars to the Tunisian government and is being considered as a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) candidate country.  I find it morally wrong to support a country that has obstructed FBI efforts to bring these terrorists to justice.  Last month, I asked the Obama Administration to cut off aid to Tunisia.  I am very disappointed to learn that the State Department is once again ducking this issue and today refusing to comment on Harzi’s release.

“The release of this key suspect, nearly four months to the day following the attack, further underscores the need for a House Select Committee to fully investigate the attack and the U.S. response in the days, weeks and months following.  The loss of these American lives, and the strategic consequences of this deadly attack on a U.S. consulate, merit a full investigation to ensure that the Obama Administration is taking all necessary actions to identify the terrorists responsible and bring them to justice.  That is why next week I will reintroduce my resolution to create a select committee, which several of my colleagues cosponsored last Congress.”