Press release
Geneva – June 24, 2024
The Tunisian Public Prosecutor has initiated two new investigations against human rights lawyer and media figure Sonia Dahmani under Decree 54, according to her lawyer, Sami Ben Ghazi. Dahmani has been in custody since May 13, 2024, due to another case.
Ben Ghazi stated that the new cases are based on previous media statements made by Dahmani. She is scheduled to appear before Investigation Office No. 35 on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Dahmani was detained on May 11, 2024, following her arrest inside the Tunis Bar Association headquarters by security forces, sparking widespread outrage. An arrest warrant was issued on May 13, 2024, without her being heard.
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) expresses its solidarity with Dahmani and condemns the arbitrary actions taken against her, which appear to target her human rights activism and freedom of expression. These actions violate both Tunisian law and international treaties that Tunisia is obligated to uphold.
CFJ calls for an immediate halt to the arbitrary measures against Dahmani, her unconditional release, and the respect of freedom of expression and opinion.
