On April 14, 2025, a tragic incident happened in the municipality of Mezzouna, located in the governorate of Sidi Bouzid, when part of the wall of a secondary school collapsed, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuries to two others. In the aftermath, the region erupted in a wave of protests across the city, as residents protested the ongoing conditions that have plagued the area for years
These peaceful protests were accompanied by blatant human rights violations, with the authorities turning to the use of excessive force to disperse the protesters. Violent confrontations took place on the night between April 14 and 15, during which the city was surrounded, tear gas was deployed, street lights were turned off, and several homes were raided, with citizens being physically abused, in serious violation of their right to security and dignity.
Attacks and harassment against journalists were also reported at the local hospital in the area, where they were prevented from filming and speaking, on the grounds of lacking permits, and at protest sites, where they faced verbal abuse and attempts to prevent them from performing their jobs.
The protests continued after the funeral march, with protesters being chased, and attempts were made to arrest them. In addition, the citizens’ homes were raided, and acts of violence were directed at the young people of the Mezzouna area.
One journalist also faced verbal abuse, preventing him from carrying out his work, representing a clear violation of the right to freedom of media and the right to free expression.
Given these serious human rights violations, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms expresses :
– Its unconditional solidarity and support for the families of the victims, along with a call for accountability for those responsible for this incident, which stemmed from negligence in addressing these matters.
– Its condemnation of the police repression and violence inflicted on the protesters, which violates the right to peaceful protest and assembly, as protected by international agreements and stated in Article 42 of the Tunisian Constitution.
– Its denouncement of the approach taken by the Tunisian state in handling protests and peaceful assemblies that rely on law enforcement-driven strategies, using force and intimidation.
– Its condemnation of the verbal abuse directed at the staff of “ Tunis Gate ” (بوابة تونس), which represents an attack on the freedom of press and a violation of journalists’ right to work freely, serving as a reminder that the freedom of press is a constitutional right that must be firmly respected.