Amnesty International Condemns Harsh Sentencing of Political Opposition Figures in Tunisia
Amnesty International has strongly denounced the recent sentencing of 40 individuals, including political opposition figures, lawyers, and human rights defenders, by the Tunis Court of First Instance. The individuals were handed harsh prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years on trumped-up charges, sparking concerns about the authorities’ crackdown on peaceful dissent in the country.
Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy, and Campaigns at Amnesty International, expressed outrage at the verdict, calling it a “travesty of justice” and a blatant violation of Tunisia’s international human rights obligations. She highlighted the trial’s procedural violations, lack of defense rights, and unsubstantiated charges, emphasizing that the individuals were targeted solely for exercising their human rights peacefully.
The convicted individuals include six opposition political figures who have been in arbitrary detention since the investigation began in February 2023. Other defendants, including senior opposition figures and human rights defenders, were also sentenced in absentia or while under detention in other politically motivated cases.
Amnesty International raised concerns about the deteriorating judicial independence in Tunisia and the authorities’ abuse of the justice system to target political opponents and critics. The organization called on the Tunisian authorities to release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights and to quash the unjust convictions and sentences.
The sentencing, which ranged from 13 to 66 years in prison, followed a trial marred by procedural flaws and a lack of due process. The detainees had refused to participate in online hearings and demanded to be physically present in court, but their requests were ignored by the court.
Several detainees, including political opposition figures, started hunger strikes to protest against the biased judicial treatment and the denial of their right to be physically present in court. The court’s decision to proceed with online hearings and restrict access to journalists and observers from civil society groups further raised concerns about the trial’s fairness.
The investigation against the detainees relied on questionable evidence, including phone messages discussing opposition activities and internal communications regarding peaceful opposition to President Saied’s actions.
Amnesty International highlighted the arbitrary nature of the charges under the counterterrorism law and called for the immediate release of all individuals detained on spurious charges. The organization urged the Tunisian authorities to uphold international human rights obligations and respect the rights to freedom of expression and association.
In conclusion, Amnesty International’s condemnation of the harsh sentencing of political opposition figures in Tunisia underscores the urgent need for the authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights in the country.
