On Monday 26,2024, a detention order was issued against activist Dali Rtimi, who has been arrested since Friday, 23, for participating in a protest calling for the removal of polluting facilities in the city of Gabes.

His arrest came right after stepping in to protect a citizen who was about to be subjected to violence by police forces during the protest.

Dali was violently assaulted and taken to the national security headquarters in Gabes, Beb Bhar, where he was detained after being subjected to various types of violence and abuse inside the detention center, as a punishment for his actions to defend another victim of police brutality. 

He was accused of “being part of a group disturbing public order with the intent to commit a crime, and violently assaulting a public official while performing his duty,” according to Articles 79 and 127 of the Penal Code.

Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms demands the immediate release of Dali Rtimi and all young people detained for participating in this protest, the dropping of all fabricated charges against them, as well as the prosecution of anyone involved in the torture and the severe assault of the detainees.

The association also calls for urgent action against the ongoing repression of protests and the ongoing practices of harassment targeting activists and human rights defenders.

Freedom for Dali Rtimi,

Freedom for the young activists of Gabes.