On a hunger strike in prison, lawyer Sonia Dahmani is protesting being denied the right to see her family on Eid day, while also speaking out against the unfair treatment she’s been enduring and the systematic violations executed by authorities against her since her arrest in May 2024, which stemmed from statements she made on television and radio, leading to numerous charges being brought against her, all under Article 24 of Decree 54.
In fact, the first case concerns her statements on television regarding the situation of the Sub Saharan African migrants and the racist treatment they have been facing in Tunisia. Ultimately, A first-instance verdict was issued, sentencing her to two years in prison. In addition, there is a case related to the same content of her statement made during a television program, as well as a previous case regarding her comments on the situation of prisons in Tunisia.
Along with the false charges brought against her, the lawyer’s imprisonment has been accompanied by ongoing human rights violations, including constant harassment, detailed search, and mistreatment that has persisted for the past 11 months.
Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms stands with full solidarity with the prisoner of conscience and free expression, Sonia Dahmani, and demands an ending to the injustice she’s been enduring, It also holds the Tunisian authorities fully responsible for her protection and ensuring her safety.
Intersection association also stresses the need to treat prisoners with dignity and respect, ensuring that their rights, as outlined by local laws and guaranteed by international conventions, are completely protected,
Lastly, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms renews its demand for the release of all prisoners of conscience and urges an end to the use of prisons as a tool to suppress opinions and stifle the right to freedom of speech and expression.