Tunisia’s Sliding Human Rights: Assessing the Fallout of President Saied’s Power Grab

Amnesty International Report Shows Worsening Human Rights Situation in Tunisia

Introduction

Amnesty International has released a new report highlighting the alarming deterioration of human rights in Tunisia since President Kais Saied’s power grab in July 2021. The report outlines an array of concerning actions taken by the Tunisian authorities, including the imprisonment of political opponents and state critics, the erosion of judicial independence, the dismantling of human rights safeguards, and the incitement of discrimination against migrants. This crackdown on human rights threatens to undermine the hard-won achievements of the 2011 revolution and has sparked international condemnation.

Stifling Political Opposition

Since February 2023, Tunisia has witnessed a troubling escalation in the targeting of political opponents and critics of President Saied. The authorities have employed spurious criminal investigations and arrests to silence dissent. Notably, at least 21 individuals, including members of the political opposition, lawyers, and businessmen, have faced baseless accusations of “conspiracy against the state.” One year into these arrests, seven people remain in arbitrary detention, including prominent opposition figures Jaouhar Ben Mbarek and Khayam Turki.

The largest opposition party, Ennahda, has been specifically targeted, with criminal investigations initiated against 21 of its members. Twelve of these individuals are currently in detention. Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of Ennahda, was arrested in April 2023 on charges including “conspiracy against the state” and “trying to change the nature of the state.” In May 2023, he was sentenced to one year in prison over remarks made at a funeral last year. These actions against political opponents undermine democratic principles and hamper the country’s progress.

Attacks on Free Expression

Amnesty International’s report also highlights the Tunisian authorities’ assault on freedom of expression. Since July 2021, at least 39 individuals have faced investigations or prosecutions for simply exercising their right to free speech. Charges such as “insulting” the authorities or “spreading fake news” have been used against them, despite not being recognized offenses under international law.

President Saied’s issuance of Decree-law 54 in September 2022 further amplified the repression of free expression. This draconian cybercrime decree-law grants authorities sweeping powers to crack down on online freedom of expression. Since its adoption, at least nine individuals, including journalists, lawyers, and political activists, have faced investigations for criticizing the authorities online. These actions curtail freedom of speech and stifle the vibrant exchange of ideas necessary for a healthy democracy.

Discrimination Against Migrants and Refugees

The report brings to light President Saied’s xenophobic and racist remarks in February 2023, which sparked a wave of violence against Black African migrants. Anti-Black sentiments led to assaults, summary evictions, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of at least 840 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The Ouardia detention center, specifically designated for migration-related offenses, became a site of arbitrary detention.

Incidents of violence against Black Africans intensified following President Saied’s comments, with mobs attacking migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Tragically, these tensions resulted in the deaths of a migrant and a Tunisian man. In response, the authorities forcibly removed dozens of Black African migrants and asylum seekers to neighboring Libya. Such discriminatory and inhumane treatment of migrants stands in stark contrast to Tunisia‘s responsibilities under international human rights law.

Perils to Achievements of the 2011 Revolution

President Saied’s actions jeopardize the gains made by Tunisia since the 2011 revolution. By accusing civil society groups of serving foreign interests and seeking to ban “funding from abroad,” Saied undermines the right to freedom of association. The leaked draft of a restrictive new law on associations also raises concerns about the erosion of civil society protections.

Furthermore, President Saied has interfered with judicial independence, dismissing 57 judges based on vague and politically motivated allegations. His proposed new Constitution, adopted in a fast-tracked manner without sufficient consultation, increased his powers while weakening the judiciary’s independence. These actions replicate pre-2011 levels of repression and pose a significant threat to Tunisia‘s democratic progress.

Editorial: A Call for Immediate Action

Amnesty International’s report paints a disturbing picture of the state of human rights in Tunisia. President Saied’s power grab has resulted in a systematic assault on democratic principles, silencing political opposition, repressing free expression, and fueling discrimination against migrants. These actions must be categorically condemned by the international community.

The Tunisian authorities must recognize their international human rights obligations and take immediate steps to reverse this dangerous trajectory. Arbitrary detentions must cease, and all individuals detained for their political activism or speech must be released. Criminal investigations and prosecutions employed as tools to suppress dissent must be halted. Protection must be afforded to migrants and refugees, ensuring their rights are respected, and they are not subject to discrimination or arbitrary detention.

The erosion of Tunisia‘s democratic achievements should not go unchallenged. The international community, regional bodies, and civil society organizations must exert pressure on the Tunisian government to uphold human rights and protect democratic values. Sanctions and targeted diplomatic measures should be deployed to convey that such human rights violations will not be tolerated.

Advice: How Individuals Can Help

While the responsibility to address Tunisia‘s human rights crisis primarily lies with governments and international institutions, individuals can contribute to creating awareness and supporting human rights defenders in Tunisia. Here are some ways individuals can help:

1. Educate yourself: Stay informed about the situation in Tunisia by following reputable news sources and human rights organizations to understand the evolving dynamics and challenges faced by the Tunisian people.

2. Amplify voices: Use social media platforms and other channels to share information about human rights abuses in Tunisia. By raising awareness, you can contribute to building broader support for the protection of human rights.

3. Support human rights organizations: Consider making financial contributions or volunteering with organizations working on the ground in Tunisia. These organizations provide vital support to activists, monitor human rights violations, and advocate for change.

4. Engage with policymakers: Write to your elected representatives and express your concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia. Urge them to use their influence to pressure the Tunisian government to respect human rights and uphold democratic principles.

5. Join advocacy campaigns: Participate in campaigns led by human rights organizations aiming to address the human rights crisis in Tunisia. These campaigns often include letter-writing initiatives, petitions, and other forms of collective action.

By taking these actions, individuals can contribute to the international effort to protect human rights in Tunisia and support the Tunisian people in their struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy.

Keywords: Tunisia, Democracy, Human Rights, President Saied, political crisis

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