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Tunisia: Amid Trial Delays and Sentencing, CFJ Demands Release of “Dahmani” and “Mubarak” and an End to the Targeting of “Ben Khalifa”

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The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has monitored multiple opinion-related cases recently brought before Tunisian courts targeting journalists and media activists for their statements and opinions.

 

– Developments in the “Dahmani” Case:

The judicial division at the Tunis Court of Appeal decided on Friday, January 10, 2025, to reserve the file concerning media personality and lawyer Sania Al-Dahmani for deliberation, with a ruling to be announced on January 24, 2025.

Al-Dahmani, currently detained, appeared before the court regarding her appeal against an initial ruling issued on October 24, 2024, sentencing her to two years in prison. The case stems from her statements on migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, prosecuted under Article 24 of Decree 54 on combating information and communication crimes.

 

– Developments in the “Mubarak” Case

In the case of journalist Shatha Al-Haj Mubarak, her lawyer, Mokhtar Al-Jamaai, announced that the court postponed the trial indefinitely after questioning the accused. The defense team objected to continuing the session, citing an incomplete case file. Al-Jamaai explained that the court failed to summon other defendants released on bail, prompting the defense team to withdraw from the session. The court subsequently adjourned the session without specifying a new date.

 

– Developments in the “Ben Khalifa” Case

As for journalist and civil activist Ghassan Ben Khalifa, his trial session was postponed indefinitely. The court conducted a closed session to review the police forensic report, which forms the basis of the case. However, Ben Khalifa and his defense team have not been granted access to the report’s content. The case revolves around claims linking the “Tunisian Volcano” Facebook page to his phone number. A report from an international communications expert refuted the validity of such claims without evidence from Meta or any concrete proof on Ben Khalifa’s devices during their search. The page’s administrator has confessed to owning and managing the account, stating he does not know Ben Khalifa.

 

– Human Rights Concerns and Calls for Action

CFJ strongly condemns the ongoing trials targeting journalists, emphasizing that these legal actions represent an attempt to stifle press freedom and impose restrictions on media professionals.

For more information and media requests or inquiries, please get in touch with us (+41229403538 / media@cfjustice.org)

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