Mohamed Ali Rtimi

Summary

Queer activist Mohammed Ali Rtimi were arrested on January 3, 2022, after they refused to allow their belongings and documents to be searched in a public place; hence they insisted on going to the police station for the inspection to be carried out legally. Consequently, they found themselves facing charges for not complying with the orders of the police during a state of emergency. With the arrival of his lawyers, he was released. However, what Mohammed Ali experienced constitutes a violation of human rights, particularly the right to privacy, and an abuse of his personal data.

Personal Information

Name: Mohammed Ali Rtimi

Nationality: Tunisian

Occupation: Queer activist and member of Damj Association

Incidents of Violation

On the morning of January 3, 2022, activist and advocate Mohammed Ali Rtimi, a member of Damj Association in Tunis, were arrested at the Bouhaira police station for refusing a search of their belongings and documents of the association by the police in a public place. In that context, Mohammed Ali requested to continue inspecting and verifying identity at a police station. Subsequently, they found themselves charged with disobedience, as they refused to comply with the orders of the police under the law regulating the emergency state of the country. Not to mention that this incident is not the first of its kind in the streets of the capital, Tunis, reflecting a pattern of targeting Queer activists in particular and monitoring human rights activists in general.

Charges

Not complying with the orders of the police during the emergency state.

Trial Procedures

Arrest at Al-Bouhaira police station in Tunis and release after the arrival of lawyers.

Human Rights Violations

Violation of the right to privacy and protection of personal data, as well as systematic monitoring and targeting LGBTQIA+ activists in Damj Association and Queer activists in Tunis capital.

Sources

Intersection Association relied on Damj Association’s statements and the lawyers defending the victim Mohammed Ali. The association also depended on a phone call with the victim, which was conducted on January 10, 2022, in documenting the incident.