Relatives of certain prisoners in Tunisia have decided to seize the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) to obtain their immediate release, and took action by filing, on Wednesday May 24, a complaint before this continental jurisdiction.
Several personalities, including political opponents, journalists, businessmen and even ex-ministers, have been arrested since the beginning of this year.
On May 15, Tunisia’s anti-terrorist court sentenced the leader of the Ennahdha movement, Rached Ghannouchi, to a one-year prison term and a fine, because of his statements made last year during a a funeral where he had eulogized the deceased, calling him a “brave man” who did not fear “a ruler or a tyrant”.
« The conviction of the leader of the country’s largest party for statements made a year ago that fall under the right to freedom of expression is another sign of the political motivations behind these prosecutions, » said Rawya Rageh, director recently. Acting Deputy for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
Voices continue to rise, not only within the country, but also within the international community to denounce the repression carried out by President Kaïs Saïed against his critics whom he describes as “terrorists”.
All eyes are now on the ACHPR, which should rule on these mass imprisonments, the motives of which, according to the families of the detainees, are contrary to the African Charter of Human Rights.
As a reminder, the ACHPR had already issued, in September 2022, an order questioning, among other things, the presidential decrees issued by Kaïs Saïed in 2021, which suspended parliamentary activities and lifted the immunity of deputies. The Tunisian leader was called upon to repair the shortcomings observed.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1188 of 05/25/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
