The UN has condemned the persecution of political opponents in Tunisia, urging the government to stop arbitrary arrests stemming from President Kais Saied’s power grab. The UN called for the release of vulnerable detainees and highlighted violations of due process in recent trials, including harsh sentences against opposition figures and journalists.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the growing persecution of political opponents in Tunisia, calling on the government to halt arbitrary arrests and detentions. Following President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab, numerous critics and human rights advocates have raised alarms about a decline in civil liberties. Turk emphasized the need for the Tunisian authorities to stop these oppressive practices.
During a recent press briefing, UN spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan highlighted the necessity of releasing older detainees and those with health issues on compassionate grounds. He stated that the government must end the systemic violations affecting human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and politicians, many of whom face vague charges during pre-trial detentions.
A notable example includes Rached Ghannouchi, the jailed leader of Tunisia’s leading opposition party, who recently faced an extended prison sentence. Additionally, several affiliated individuals, family members, and journalists from the Instalingo media firm received harsh sentences amid increasing scrutiny since Saied’s power consolidation.
Kheetan reported that the Court of First Instance sentenced 41 individuals within the Instalingo case to prison terms ranging from five to 54 years. Convictions included various politicians, journalists, and bloggers, illustrating a troubling pattern. Alleged violations of fair trial rights added another layer of concern regarding the integrity of the judiciary.
The UN office urged Tunisia to reform its criminal laws, ensuring alignment with international human rights norms and standards. This call to action signals the UN’s commitment to universal human rights and reinforces the need for Tunisia to restore democratic values.
The UN has expressed serious concerns over the deterioration of political freedoms in Tunisia, urging the government to discontinue its crackdown on opposition leaders and activists. By calling for legal reforms and the release of vulnerable detainees, the UN emphasizes the importance of adhering to international human rights standards. The ongoing situation calls for vigilant scrutiny of Tunisia’s commitment to democracy and human rights governance.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
