UN Condemns Political Persecution in Tunisia Amid Crackdown on Dissent

February 19, 2024 – Tunisia –

The United Nations has condemned the escalating persecution of political opponents in Tunisia, urging the authorities to cease arbitrary arrests and uphold fundamental human rights. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, called on Tunisian authorities to end the pattern of detentions and imprisonment of human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and politicians, many of whom are being held in pre-trial detention under vague accusations following the exercise of their rights and freedoms.

Since President Kais Saied consolidated power in 2021, following his suspension of parliament and assumption of executive authority, Tunisia has witnessed a significant rollback of democratic gains. The UN highlights cases such as that of Abderrazak Krimi, director of the Tunisian Refugee Council, who has been on hunger strike in detention since May 2024, and Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Destourian Party, who has been detained since October 2023.

In February 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced 41 individuals, including politicians, journalists, and bloggers, to prison terms ranging from five to 54 years in the so-called “Instalingo case.” The UN has expressed concern over the fairness of the trial, citing alleged violations of due process and fair trial guarantees.

The Tunisian government has rejected the UN’s criticism, asserting that the judicial proceedings are in line with national laws and international commitments. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “deep astonishment” at the UN’s statements, defending the actions as necessary for national security and public order.

The UN continues to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those arbitrarily detained and for Tunisia to align its criminal legislation with international human rights standards.

Reference – 

https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/un-condemns-persecution-tunisian-opposition

https://www.barrons.com/news/un-denounces-persecution-of-opposition-in-tunisia-6a768c19

https://www.newarab.com/news/un-denounces-persecution-opposition-tunisia