Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms condemns the summoning of human rights activists Asma Fatma Moatemri, Imen Ben Jouira, Rahma Khachnaoui, and Nawres Zoghbi Douzi, activist Seif Ayadi, and journalist Khawla Boukrim to appear before the Anti-Crime Brigade in Ben Arous in connection with their participation in a peaceful protest held on 22 July 2022 against the referendum process and the Constitution proposed by President Kais Saied. These summonses come nearly four years after the events in question.
The individuals concerned are scheduled to appear before the Brigade on the following dates:
- Nawres Zoghbi Douzi: Wednesday, 3 June
- Asma Fatma Moatemri: Thursday, 4 June
- Imen Ben Jouira: Friday, 5 June
- Khawla Boukrim: Monday, 8 June
- Rahma Khachnaoui: Tuesday, 9 June
- Seif Ayadi: Wednesday, 10 June
Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms considers these proceedings to constitute a restriction on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as an attempt to intimidate activists and human rights defenders for legitimately exercising their fundamental rights.
The Association therefore calls for the immediate termination of all proceedings and measures related to this case, an end to the targeting of activists and human rights defenders, and full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, in accordance with Tunisia’s constitutional and international obligations.
The Association further calls on the Tunisian authorities to cease the surveillance and targeting of human rights defenders and to refrain from using the security and judicial apparatus to restrict civic space or curtail the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Finally, the Association urges national and international human rights organizations, as well as civil society actors, to take urgent action to follow the case closely, express solidarity with those targeted, and advocate for an end to these proceedings and for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
