July 4, 2025 – The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued a legal opinion condemning the continued detention of prominent Tunisian judge Bechir Akremi. The Working Group deemed his detention arbitrary and a flagrant violation of international standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
A Grave Violation of International Law and a Dangerous Precedent for Judicial Independence
In its Opinion No. 2/2025 issued last April, the Working Group asserted that Akremi’s arrest was without any legal basis and was part of a systematic campaign targeting independent judges following President Kais Saied’s decisions to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council and appoint an interim council affiliated with the executive branch, undermining the independence of the judiciary in the country.
The Working Group considered that Akremi’s detention falls within categories I and III of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, noting that the case constitutes a direct violation of Article 9 of the International Covenant and Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Case Context:
Bechir Akremi, who previously oversaw sensitive cases related to terrorism and corruption, was dismissed in June 2022 by presidential decree. Although the Tunisian judiciary later overturned this decision, the executive authorities refused to implement it.
In February 2023, Akremi was subjected to arbitrary arrest without a warrant, followed by his transfer to the Razi Psychiatric Hospital without legal basis and based on questionable medical reports. The Working Group confirmed that these practices constitute a disturbing pattern of judicial intimidation against those who uphold their professional independence.
Repeated Violations of His Fundamental Rights
The UN report noted that during his detention, Akremi as subjected to:
- Sleep deprivation
- Prohibition of visits from his lawyer
- Reopening of previously closed cases, in violation of the principle of “no double jeopardy”
- Manipulation of investigation procedures and the absence of basic guarantees for a fair trial.
The Working Group considered that these violations not only affect Akremi’s rights, but also undermine the very essence of judicial independence and send a dangerous message of intimidation to other judges.
UN Recommendations to the Tunisian Government:
The Working Group called on the Tunisian government to take urgent measures to address the situation, most notably:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Judge Bechir Akremi
- Providing him with fair compensation and reparations
- Initiating an independent and comprehensive investigation into the conditions of his detention and the violations to which he was subjected
- Holding accountable those responsible for these violations
- Amending laws and judicial practices to comply with Tunisia’s international obligations.
The Working Group also referred the case to the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to follow up on the case and take any additional measures she deems necessary.
Follow-up Actions:
The Working Group requested the Tunisian government to inform it within six months of the measures taken to implement these recommendations, and emphasized that it reserves the right to take further steps if no progress is made, including reporting the matter to the Human Rights Council.
The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory’s position:
The Freedom for Tunisia Observatory appreciates this clear and firm UN opinion, and considers it further evidence of the political and retaliatory nature of the prosecutions targeting independent judges in Tunisia. The Observatory affirms that Bechir Akremi’s continued detention poses a serious threat to judicial independence and fundamental freedoms, and calls for an urgent response to the UN recommendations without delay.
