UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called upon Tunisian authorities to cease their ongoing repression against civil society entities, journalists, human rights activists, and members of the judiciary. These groups have faced criminal proceedings after expressing criticism over governmental policies and the expansion of presidential power. Türk highlighted the infringement on freedom of expression as a growing concern, emphasizing the need for restrictions to be exceptional, legally grounded, non-discriminatory, and subject to due judicial oversight. He stated that restoring the rule of law in Tunisia hinges on fortified institutional safeguards and a legislative shift towards a rights-based framework, consistent with international human rights obligations (JURIST).
Amidst this climate, the Tunisian government has introduced new restrictive measures characterized by ambiguous legal provisions. These laws are criticized for their lack of specificity, which permits selective enforcement. In a notable incident, journalist Zied El Heni was arrested under a law penalizing the use of telecommunication networks to “harm others.” The vagueness of this law, particularly regarding the term “harm,” has raised alarm as it can be exploited politically. Similar measures have led to the arrests of 28 other journalists, exemplifying a broader pattern of legal weaponization against the media.
The judiciary has not been immune to these crackdowns. Judge Anas Hmedi, President of the Association of Tunisian Judges, faced prosecution following his protest against government interference. Meanwhile, Judge Hammadi Rahmani was sentenced to three years in prison for “insulting others on social media,” despite having judicial immunity at the time of charges. This reflects a worrying trend since 25 July 2021, when President Kais Saied suspended parliament, dismissed the prime minister, and assumed decree power, fundamentally undermining the country’s judicial independence.
Human rights groups, such as Amnesty International, have criticized these developments, warning that they erode democratic structures and silence dissent. The international community remains watchful as Tunisia navigates this critical juncture, hoping for an alignment towards its human rights commitments and a reaffirmation of the rule of law.