Human rights organizations have issued a joint statement urging the Tunisian government to cease its recent clampdown on free speech and free association, underscoring a notable increase in attacks against journalists, lawyers, and human rights organizations over the past month. Among the twelve signatory organizations are Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and MENA Rights Group.
This joint appeal follows widespread discontent in May when Tunisian journalists were sentenced for disseminating false news and the government carried out raids on the Tunisia’s bar association. The statement points to additional instances of intimidation and detention aimed at figures associated with civil society organizations, particularly those advocating for the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. These individuals are often prosecuted under Decree 54, a law penalizing the use of communication systems to spread false information and defame others or jeopardize public safety.
The situation also brings into focus potential risks associated with possible amendments to Decree 88, which safeguards the right to freedom of association in Tunisia. Concerns have been amplified following a recent announcement by the Prime Minister regarding new draft legislation aimed at revising the mechanism for establishing associations.
In their statement, the human rights groups are calling for an immediate reversal of these actions. They demand the release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, including journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, political opponents, and critics, and reassert the importance of protecting the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Read more about this developing situation on JURIST.