Seifeddine Sliti

Summary

Coinciding with the commemoration of January 14, Seifeddine Sliti participated in a march on Habib Bourguba Avenue on January 14, 2022, to protest against a number of decisions taken by President Kais Saied after July 25, 2021. Activist Mohamed Ali Mendassi was a victim of violence and oppression by the police against the protestors. He was also arrested on Mohammed V Avenue and detained for four days without any legal justification.

Personal Information

Name: Seifeddine Sliti

Nationality: Tunisian

Occupation: Civil Society activist in Sidi Hassine

Incidents of Violation

Seifeddine Sliti is a 24-year-old young Tunisian man who is active in the student community and the local civil society in the Sidi Hassine area in Tunis. On January 14, 2022, Seifeddine participated in marches on Habib Bourguiba Avenue to express his opinion and exercise his constitutionally guaranteed right to protest. However, like the rest of the protestors, he faced harassment from police forces, hence becoming a victim of police violence due to being exposed to tear gas and sprayed with water hoses. During the police attack and their clash, Seif was surprised when two police officers grabbed his hands and forcibly took him to a police car without informing him of the reason. He was then taken to the Tunis Al-Bouhair police station, along with several other young people who were with him in the march; notably, there were over 36 individuals. Later, he was transferred to the Khadra police station, where they heard his statements without the presence of his lawyer. He was kept in detention at the Bouchoucha Detention Center for four days in poor conditions that did not respect the health situation the world was going through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charges

Violating health protocol and prompting disorder by participating in gatherings without prior permission.

Trial Procedures

After hearing activist Seifeddine’s statements, he reported that he was present in the march to express his opinion as guaranteed by Tunisian laws and as recorded in the arrest report.  He was transferred to the detention center, where he remained held in custody for five days from Friday until Monday, January 17, 2022. He was then brought before the public prosecutor, who permitted his release.

Human Rights Violations

Violation of the right to protest and freedom as stipulated in the Tunisian constitution in Articles 31 and 37. In addition, there was a violation of the right to bodily integrity and non-application of Law No.5, which amends and completes the Code of Criminal Procedure, that grants the detainee the right to contact a lawyer and inform them of the reason for the arrest. Moreover, there was a breach of Article 21 of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, which acknowledges the right to peaceful assembly and requires the state to protect and enable protestors to exercise their rights without imposing any restrictions as long as the assembly is peaceful and does not threaten security or public order.

Sources

Intersection association documented this case based on footage recorded the moment Seifeddine was arrested and taken away amongst the protestors, in addition to the meeting with his lawyer in front of the court on January 17, 2022, as well as a phone call with the victim on February 31, 2022.