A Tunisian appeals court granted the release of prominent human rights activist Sihem Bensedrine, previously imprisoned since August, yet she remains unable to leave the country owing to ongoing charges. Upon her release, Bensedrine expressed joy after her time in the harsh conditions of Manouba prison, saying, “Breathing the air of freedom… I prayed to God to see the entire sky, and my wish was granted.”
Bensedrine, who is 74, formerly led the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), established to expose human rights violations from Tunisia’s autocratic past. Her detainment involved allegations of falsifying the commission’s final report, which she has vehemently denied, along with claims of bribery regarding corruption accusations against a bank.
Her husband, Omar Mestiri, noted her determination to fight for her rights despite her suffering. Earlier this year, Bensedrine undertook a hunger strike as a protest against her detention, claiming she would not accept injustice marked by lies and slander.
The IVD was formed in the wake of the 2011 revolution, focusing on human rights violations perpetrated between 1955 and 2013 under past authoritarian regimes. It gathered testimonies from countless victims of abuse, including torture and rape.
On the eve of her release, UN human rights officials condemned the ongoing political persecution in Tunisia, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests targeting political dissenters. Bensedrine’s lawyer described the charges against her as fabricated and pointed to the political influence tainting the judiciary.
Following President Kais Saied’s sweeping power grab in 2021, critics have raised alarms over a decline in human rights and civil liberties, marking a troubling shift in Tunisia’s democratic progress. A group of UN experts had previously highlighted concerns regarding her arrest, asserting it could constitute judicial harassment and affect freedom of expression in the country.
Sihem Bensedrine, a prominent Tunisian human rights activist, has been released from prison after an appeals court ruling but remains barred from leaving the country due to pending charges. Formerly leading the Truth and Dignity Commission, she has faced accusations of falsifying reports and bribery, which she denies. UN officials are concerned about political persecution in Tunisia, highlighting a broader trend of diminishing democratic freedoms.
Sihem Bensedrine’s release from prison, along with the existing charges against her, highlights ongoing struggles for human rights and freedom of expression in Tunisia. Her case exemplifies the political turmoil and judicial concerns under President Kais Saied’s regime, as critics advocate for the preservation of democracy and civil liberties. It remains crucial for the international community to remain vigilant regarding Tunisia’s political climate and the protection of its dissenting voices.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
