arguments and submitted that the withdrawal of the complaint corroborated its arguments that the complaint was an abuse of process, that the complainants failed to exhaust domestic remedies, and that the motives of the NGO representing the complainants were not bona fide. Complainant’s response One of the complainants (189/2001) sent a letter, dated 31 May 2005, to the Secretariat requesting that his case be “withdrawn”, and enclosing a letter in which he renounced his refugee status in Switzerland. On 8 August 2006, the letter from the author of 31 May 2005 was sent to the complainants of case Nos. 187/2001 and 188/2001 for comments. On 12 December 2006, both complainants responded expressing their surprise that the complainant had “withdrawn” his complaint without providing any reasons for doing so. They did not exclude pressure from the Tunisian authorities as a reason for doing so. They insisted that their own complaints were legitimate and encouraged the Committee to pursue their cases under the follow-up procedure. On 12 December 2006, and having received a copy of the complainant’s letter of “withdrawal” from the other complainants, the complainant’s representative responded to the complainant’s letter of 31 May 2005. The complainant’s representative expressed its astonishment at the alleged withdrawal which it puts down to pressure on the complainant and his family and threats from the State party’s authorities. This is clear from the manner in which the complaint is withdrawn. This withdrawal does not detract from the facts of the case nor does it free those who tortured the complainant from liability. It regrets the withdrawal and encourages the Committee to continue to consider this case under follow-up. Consultations with State party On 25 November 2005, the Special Rapporteur on follow-up met with the Tunisian Ambassador in connection with case Nos. 187/2001, 188/2001 and 189/2001. The Special Rapporteur explained the follow-up procedure. The Ambassador referred to a letter dated 31 May 2005 which was sent to OHCHR from one of the complainants, 137