Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence speak that since Saturday, at least nine people have been arrested, and several detained, on security and corruption charges.
Among those arrested were two former judges, a lawyer, a prominent businessman, the head of a radio station and the leader of the Muslim political party Ennahdha, according to media reports.
Concerns about military courts
OHCHR note that the Prosecutor General of Tunisia has Criminal proceedings are increasingly being initiated against those perceived as opponents of the president, accusing them of “conspiring against the security of the State”, insulting the Head of State or violating the decree-law against cybercrime.
“We are also concerned that some of those accused in connection with criticizing the Government have trial in military courts. We call on the authorities to immediately put an end to the practice of adjudicating civilians before military courts,” Laurence said in Geneva.
OHCHR urges the Tunisian authorities to respect due process and fair trial standards in all proceedings, and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained.
Undermining the judiciary
Mr. Laurence added that since July 2021, the administration has also taken a series of measures to undermine the independence of the judiciary, including Dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council and fired 57 judges.
“We call on the authorities to make every effort to bring the laws, procedures and practices of the judiciary in line with applicable international norms and standards, and through the separation of powers,” he said. force, to maintain the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law”.
