During her four-day visit to Tunisia, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard met with various groups, including human rights defenders, civil society representatives, the Tunisian Judges Association, lawyers, political parties, journalists, victims of human rights violations, and families of arbitrarily detained individuals.
Callamard expressed concern over the regression of human rights progress in Tunisia since the 2011 revolution. She highlighted the increase in arrests and arbitrary prosecutions targeting various groups, such as political opposition leaders, journalists, activists, lawyers, and others.
She noted the restrictions faced by political opposition leaders and government critics in the lead up to the presidential elections, with many being held in pre-trial detention. Callamard emphasized the crackdown on rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly by the authorities.
Amnesty International documented the erosion of judicial independence in Tunisia and witnessed violations of the rights to a fair trial, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly during the visit.
Callamard commended the efforts of human rights defenders, including Judge Hmedi and his colleagues, who continue to advocate for independence despite facing reprisals. She also met with brave individuals fighting for the release of detainees.
The Tunisian authorities are also accused of violating the rights of migrants and refugees, with racist rhetoric and mass deportations being reported. The European Union and its member states were criticized for failing to uphold their obligations under international law to address these human rights violations.
Amnesty International called on Tunisian authorities to drop unfounded charges against dissidents, reverse measures undermining judicial independence, release those detained for exercising their rights, and repeal repressive laws. The EU was urged to reassess its engagement with Tunisia to avoid complicity in human rights violations.
Background information highlighted the deterioration of human rights in Tunisia since President Kais Saied’s power grab in 2021, with increased arrests and arbitrary detentions of political opponents and human rights defenders. The EU’s cooperation with Tunisia, including financial support for border management, raised concerns about potential human rights risks.
No response was received from Tunisian authorities to meeting requests during the Amnesty International delegation’s visit from 16 to 19 July.