Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms strongly denounces the appellate court’s decision on January 24, 2025 against lawyer and journalist Sonia Dahmani, reaffirming the initial conviction pursuant to Article 24 of Decree 54, and shortening her prison sentence from 2 years to 1 year and six months, which stems from her media statements in which she spoke about the ongoing issue of racism in Tunisia.
A previous appellate decision sentenced her to eight months in prison based on a television statement regarding the situation of the Sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia, therefore, with the new ruling, the total prison time against her has now reached 2 years and four months. Meanwhile, there are 3 additional cases, primarily involving radio and TV statements, for which no verdict has been reached yet.
Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms stands with full solidarity with the prisoner of conscience and free expression, Sonia Dahmani, and demands an ending to the injustice she’s been enduring, especially when most of these cases and judgements against her, are based upon media statements that are part of the right to freedom of expression, which is protected by the Constitution and International and regional agreements, that Tunisia is obligated to uphold.
In addition, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms also raises concerns over the high number of oppressive actions taken by the government to threaten citizens with prison sentences. Such measures, driven by the controversial Decree 54, are fueling human rights violations, leading Tunisia, once again, down a path of increased oppression and restricted freedoms.
Ultimately, Intersection Association for Rights and Freedoms urges all civil and political powers to step in against these systematic violations, and to denounce prosecutions such as the case of Sonia Dahmani, and other trials related to freedom of expression in Tunisia. The Association also stresses the necessity to oppose any efforts by the authorities to stifle voices and weaken fundamental rights and freedoms, especially the right to freedom of expression.