The Tunisian government’s use of arbitrary detention has become a key element of its oppressive approach, targeting civil and political rights. Since President Kais Saied seized control of state institutions on July 25, 2021, the crackdown on dissent has intensified significantly. Human Rights Watch urges the immediate release of all unjustly detained individuals, asserting that the government must halt prosecutions based on the exercise of human rights.
In a recent report titled “All Conspirators: How Tunisia Uses Arbitrary Detention to Crush Dissent,” Human Rights Watch exposes the government’s reliance on arbitrary detentions and politically motivated charges to silence critics. Documentation reveals that 22 individuals, including lawyers and journalists, have been detained on dubious terrorism-related charges. Alarmingly, at least 14 of them may face the death penalty.
Bassam Khawaja of Human Rights Watch highlights that Tunisia is witnessing a level of repression unseen since the 2011 revolution, with President Saied’s regime bringing back a cycle of political imprisonments. Since early 2023, arrests have surged against those perceived critical of the government, with no political group spared from scrutiny.
The government’s actions have been underpinned by Saied’s inflammatory rhetoric, labelling dissenters as “traitors” or “terrorists.” Key political figures, such as Abir Moussi and Rached Ghannouchi, have faced imprisonment, alongside critics from various fields, including law and journalism, creating an atmosphere of fear.
The authorities exploit a formidable set of legal provisions which permit arbitrary detention, including the 2015 Counterterrorism Law and other laws that infringe upon freedom of expression. Individuals have been charged with “attempting to change the nature of the state,” potentially leading to severe penalties. Detainees are often held for pretrial periods exceeding 14 months without proper judicial oversight.
Khawaja underscores that the independence of the judiciary has been severely compromised due to ongoing attacks from the government, including dismantling the High Judicial Council. Defence lawyers contesting these judicial abuses face harassment and even charges in military courts, violating standards of fairness.
Conditions in detention facilities are described as harsh, with inadequate medical care and treatment. For example, journalist Chadha Hadj Mbarek, detained for alleged conspiracy, experiences poor conditions exacerbated by her disability, lacking proper accommodation or medical support.
Tunisia remains bound by international human rights agreements, warranting immediate action to liberate all arbitrarily detained persons and expunge unfounded charges. The international community, particularly the European Union, is urged to express concern and ensure compliance with human rights standards in Tunisia.
Khawaja stresses the critical need for global attention: “The international community has an urgent responsibility to do its utmost to seek the release of all those unjustly detained.”
The Tunisian government has intensified arbitrary detention under President Saied, infringing upon civil and political rights. Human Rights Watch’s report reveals increasing repression, with 22 documented cases of detention for political activism. The government employs dubious legal frameworks to silence dissent. Conditions for detainees are poor, including inadequate medical care. Immediate action from international partners is vital to halt this crackdown on human rights.
In summary, the Tunisian government’s systematically oppressive tactics, particularly through arbitrary detention, have severely compromised civil liberties in the country. The international community, including the European Union, faces the challenge of responding effectively to this crisis and advocating for the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals. Only through concerted efforts can Tunisia’s path towards human rights and freedoms be restored.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
