The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Turk, has urged authorities in Tunisia to safeguard the country’s democratic processes, uphold fundamental freedoms, and release those detained arbitrarily.
In a statement published on the UN website, Turk highlighted the arrests of over 100 individuals, including prospective candidates, campaign members, and political figures, in the lead-up to Tunisia’s presidential elections earlier this month. Charges ranged from falsifying electoral documents to matters concerning national security.
Out of 17 prospective candidates, only three were approved by the Independent High Authority for Elections, while others received lengthy prison sentences on various charges, the report noted.
Turk expressed concern over the trials, which he said demonstrated a lack of due process and fair trial guarantees. The UN statement also condemned the election authority’s refusal to implement a 2 September Administrative Court ruling that ordered the reinstatement of three candidates. In an extraordinary parliamentary session held just days before the election, lawmakers passed a law removing electoral disputes from the Administrative Court’s jurisdiction.
He further noted that Tunisia, which had previously made significant progress towards accountability and redress for past abuses through its Truth and Dignity Commission since 2011, is now losing ground. He cited the recent arrest of the commission’s former head as an example.
“I strongly urge Tunisia to recommit to transitional justice in the interests of victims, and to embark on much needed rule of law reforms, in line with international human rights law, including with regard to freedoms of expression, assembly and association,” Turk said. He also called for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained.
President Kais Saied, who recently secured a second term, insists that Tunisia’s judiciary remains independent and impartial, but the opposition accuses him of using the judicial system to target his rivals and potential presidential candidates.