To access the report: Stifling Voices Semi Annual Report on violations of freedom of opinion and expression
Tunis, July 31, 2024
The Observatory of Violations of Freedom of Opinion and Expression issued on July 31, 2024, a semi-annual report entitled “Stifling Voices”. The report tackles the violations of freedom of opinion and expression and trials of opinion from January 2024 until June 2024.
The Observatory of Violations of Freedom of Opinion and Expression monitored 25 cases of violations ranging from arbitrary arrests to trials, the majority were under Decree No.54 of 2022 on combating crimes related to information and communication systems.
During that period, Tunisia witnessed several opinion trials targeting citizens of various backgrounds, politicians, journalists, lawyers, and trade unionists, for expressing their opinions through social media posts and media statements.
This semi-annual report highlights the opinion trials that took place in Tunisia from January 2024 to June 2024. These trials targeted, in particular, all critical and opposing voices against President Kais Said’s regime resulting in their prosecution for exercising the right to freedom of speech. This proves the return of the state of prior censorship of freedoms and its leaning towards the violation of human rights.
The report aims to highlight the extent to which the Tunisian authorities target all political opponents, activists, and even journalists who perform their media role in accordance with the rights guaranteed by law, as well as prosecute and monitor them using the judiciary, which explains the increase in opinion trials in Tunisia during the period covered by the report. The number of cases mentioned in the report does not represent an exhaustive list of all cases related to freedom of opinion and expression and abuses committed by the Tunisian state against its citizens.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations, and they are the following:
Halt all forms of prosecution against individuals for peacefully expressing their opinions, and release all those detained on the background of issues related to freedom of opinion and expression.
Review repressive laws and legislations that restrict freedom of opinion and expression, according to international human rights standards.
Ensure the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and not use it as a tool to suppress the opposition.
Provide a safe environment for journalists and media professionals to perform their duties and work freely.
Halt all forms of censorship on the internet and social media networks.
To access the report: Stifling Voices Semi Annual Report on violations of freedom of opinion and expression