Summary:
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In a report from his office, OHCHR, on Tuesday, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was worried about the growing crackdown in Tunisia, which is aimed at civil society and people who are thought to be political opponents of President Kais Saied.
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According to spokeswoman Jeremy Laurence, since Saturday, at least nine people have reportedly been detained, and some have been arrested on allegations related to security and corruption.
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News sources say those detained were two former judges, a lawyer, a well-known businessman, a radio station owner, and the Islamist Ennahdha party president.
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Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Laurence stated, “We call on the government to immediately end bringing civilians before military tribunals.
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Laurence said that since July 2021, the government has also done several things that have hurt the independence of the judiciary.
In a report from his office, OHCHR, on Tuesday, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said he was worried about the growing crackdown in Tunisia, which is aimed at civil society and people who are thought to be political opponents of President Kais Saied.
According to spokeswoman Jeremy Laurence, since Saturday, at least nine people have reportedly been detained, and some have been arrested on allegations related to security and corruption.
News sources say those detained were two former judges, a lawyer, a well-known businessman, a radio station owner, and the Islamist Ennahdha party president.
Worry regarding military trials
According to the OHCHR, the General Prosecutor in Tunisia has increased the number of criminal cases against the president’s alleged foes, accusing them of “conspiracy against state security,” “insulting the Head of State,” or “violating the decree-law to combat cybercrime.”
“We are also concerned that some of those detained on allegations related to government criticism were tried in military courts.” Speaking in Geneva, Mr. Laurence stated, “We call on the government to immediately end the practice of bringing civilians before military tribunals.”
OHCHR called on the Tunisian government to uphold due process and fair trial norms in all legal procedures and to free all people who have been arrested without cause right now.
Undermining the legal system
Mr. Laurence said that since July 2021, the government has also done several things that have hurt the independence of the judiciary. For example, it appointed 57 judges and removed the High Judicial Council.
He said, “We urge the authorities to work toward bringing justice sector laws, procedures, and practices in line with international norms and standards.” This protects the court’s independence and the rule of law.
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Analysis by: Advocacy Unified Network
