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Amnesty préoccupée par l’arrestation des opposants en Tunisie
Amnesty International’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Hebba Morayef, expressed concern about the wave of arrests carried out by the Tunisian authorities against political opposition, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights and an attempt to undermine political dissent.
On July 13th, the Tunisian authorities arrested the Secretary-General of the Ennahda Party, Al-Ajmi Al-Warimi, along with two other members, Mohamed Al-Ghanoudi and Mosab Al-Gharbi, during what appeared to be a routine inspection on a public road. They remain detained without charges.
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Violation of Legal Rights and Freedom of Opponents
Morayef explained that the detainees were unaware of any investigation or arrest warrant at the time of their detention. Their lawyers were not allowed to meet them for 48 hours, nor were they informed of the case file or the details of the charges against them.
The Regional Director of the international organization emphasized that these arrests come at a critical time before the presidential elections, increasing concerns.
She called on Tunisian authorities to inform the detainees of the reasons for their arrest, grant them the right to immediate legal counsel, and release them immediately unless they are charged with known criminal offenses according to international standards.
The Amnesty official warned that failing to do so indicates that these arrests are arbitrary and aim to silence dissent.
Ending the Suppression Campaign Against the Opposition
In the same context, Morayef called for an end to the suppression campaign against opponents and the respect for human rights, highlighting a series of arbitrary arrests targeting journalists, lawyers, activists, and critical politicians, in addition to undermining the independence of the judiciary.
She emphasized the need to change this repressive trajectory and prioritize human rights at the top of the government’s concerns.
Over the past year, Tunisian authorities have escalated their crackdown on prominent opposition figures.
Several members of the political opposition have been detained, including prominent figures in the Ennahda Party such as its leader, Rashid Al-Ghannouchi, who has been detained since April 2023, as well as Nour Al-Din Al-Bahiri and others facing arbitrary charges, according to Amnesty.
The presidential elections in Tunisia are scheduled for October 6th.