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Tunisia: CFJ Documents Prison Sentences Against Labor and Union Leaders, Accuses Authorities of Targeting Them

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The ” Committee for Justice” (CFJ) has monitored a ruling by the Criminal Chamber of the Tunis Primary Court sentencing the former president of the Union of Judicial Staff and Employees, Hattab Ben Othman, to 14 years and 3 months in prison, in addition to imposing a financial penalty exceeding 650,000 Tunisian dinars. The court also issued prison sentences ranging from 3 years to 5 years and 3 months against three other members of the union.

According to official statements, the charges against the convicted individuals included crimes related to money laundering, forgery, possession and use of forged documents, real estate speculation, and collecting donations without authorization.

Investigations began in February 2023 when an investigative judge issued detention orders against “Ben Othman” and three other union members on suspicions related to the management and administration of the union.

CFJ for its part, expresses deep concern over these sentences, describing them as part of a systematic campaign targeting union activists and labor rights defenders. The committee stresses that these rulings specifically target “Ben Othman” and his colleagues because of their labor and human rights activities and their prominent role in defending workers’ rights.

CFJ states that such sentences pose a threat to union rights and freedoms in Tunisia. The committee calls on authorities to halt the implementation of the ruling, ensure a retrial within a court that adheres to international justice standards, and stop all forms of harassment against labor rights defenders. It also urges the creation of a safe environment that allows activists to engage in union and human rights work freely and securely.

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

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