Tunisia is facing mounting international criticism over its alleged systematic repression of human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, activists, and political opponents.
According to Thameen Al-Kheetan, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 40 individuals, including prominent political figures, are set to face trial in March.
Some have been held in detention since February 2023, while others, who have sought refuge abroad, will be tried in absentia. These cases underscore Tunisia’s deepening authoritarian tendencies and its disregard for fair trial standards.
Notable Cases of Alleged Persecution
Several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the alarming state of human rights in Tunisia:
- Abderrazak Krimi and Mustapha Djemali: colleagues at the Tunisian Refugee Council, a Tunisian NGO, have been on hunger strike for three weeks. Detained since May 2023, both men are accused of illegally sheltering migrants, a humanitarian act that authorities have criminalized.
- Abir Moussi: A leading opposition figure, Moussi has been in detention since October 2023 on charges that include violations of freedom of expression. She is currently on hunger strike.
- Sonia Dahmani: A lawyer sentenced to 18 months in prison after discussing issues of racism and migration on a radio broadcast, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech.
- Instalingo Case: A politically motivated trial in which 41 individuals, including journalists, bloggers, and politicians, received prison sentences ranging from five to 54 years amid serious due process violations.
- Sihem Bensedrine: The elderly former president of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission remains detained indefinitely. She was hospitalized following a hunger strike, highlighting the dire conditions of those persecuted.
Judicial Concerns and Human Rights Violations
Trials in Tunisia have been marred by allegations of unfair proceedings, a lack of transparency, and the use of sweeping charges such as “plotting conspiracy” to suppress political dissent. Human rights organizations have condemned the authorities for their indiscriminate application of terrorism and security laws to criminalize opposition voices and civil society organizations.
International human rights groups have documented widespread violations, including arbitrary detention, the denial of legal representation, and the use of prolonged solitary confinement as a form of psychological pressure. Hunger strikes among detainees further underscore the desperation of those facing persecution.
The international community has expressed growing concern over Tunisia’s trajectory. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has urged Tunisian authorities to halt their persecution of political opponents, respect freedom of expression, and release vulnerable detainees, particularly the elderly and those in poor health.
Here’s a breakdown of how these actions conflict with the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights:
Right to Freedom of Expression (Article 9)
- The imprisonment of journalists, lawyers, and activists for their opinions and public statements directly violates this right.
- Cases such as Sonia Dahmani, who was jailed for discussing racism and migration, exemplify this suppression.
Right to a Fair Trial (Article 7)
The use of vague charges like “conspiracy against the State” and the lack of due process violate the right to be tried before an impartial and independent tribunal.
The Instalingo Case, where 41 individuals received severe sentences amid due process violations, raises major concerns.
Freedom of Association (Article 10)
- The detention of Abderrazak Krimi and Mustapha Djemali for sheltering migrants criminalizes humanitarian work, violating the right to freely associate and engage in lawful activities.
Prohibition of Arbitrary Detention (Article 6)
- The long-term detention of political opponents like Abir Moussi and Sihem Bensedrine, without clear legal justification, constitutes arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
Prohibition of Torture and Inhumane Treatment (Article 5)
- Reports of prolonged solitary confinement, psychological pressure, and the deteriorating health of detainees due to hunger strikes indicate cruel and degrading treatment.
Right to Participate in Government (Article 13)
- The criminalization of opposition figures and suppression of political dissent undermine the right of citizens to participate in public affairs.
