The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory condemns in the strongest terms the rulings issued at dawn today by the Fifth Criminal Chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Court of First Instance in Tunis, in the case known as “conspiracy against state security,” which targeted prominent political and human rights figures. The rulings were issued in the context of a trial characterized by serious violations of the rights of the defense, from the absence of interrogation, to the prevention of journalists and observers from attending the session, to the suspicious haste with which the verdict was issued without respecting the minimum conditions of a fair trial, which confirms the political nature of this trial.
The rulings issued in this case ranged from 8 to 66 years in prison against a number of well-known national figures, without providing credible evidence to prove the charges against them, which deepens doubts about the retaliatory nature of this trial. The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory considers these rulings to be a blatant attack on the principle of judicial independence and a serious deviation from Tunisia’s international human rights obligations. They also pose a direct threat to freedom of opinion and political pluralism.
Accordingly, the Observatory demands the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, suspension of remote trials and the opening of hearings to the public, and the opening of an independent international investigation into the circumstances of this trial and the violations committed.
The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory warns that silence on these violations opens the door to a judicial dictatorship that threatens public freedoms and the future of justice in the country.
Freedom for Tunisia Observatory – April 19, 2025
