Press Release
The Committee for Justice (CFJ) has reported a significant deterioration in the health condition of Tunisian journalist Shaza El-Haj Mubarak, who has been held in Tunisian prisons since July 22, 2023, following her arrest for carrying out her journalistic work.
The committee confirmed that Shaza has been subjected to medical neglect and systematic mistreatment at the Messaadine Civil Prison in Sousse, leading to kidney diseases and impaired hearing, while no effective medical intervention has been provided to address her worsening condition.
– Ongoing Violations:
The committee further noted that the imprisoned journalist is facing a series of ongoing violations that go beyond medical neglect to include systematic administrative harassment. Her trial, previously scheduled, was postponed due to the authorities’ failure to issue a transfer warrant from prison to court, resulting in a rescheduled session on January 10, 2025. According to the committee, this delay is not an isolated incident but reflects a blatant disregard for the principles of a fair trial.
Additionally, sources close to Shaza reported that she has been punished unjustly, including being denied family visits and deprived of “the basket” containing her essential needs, without any valid justification for these measures.
– Human Rights Concerns and Calls for Release:
CFJ expresses profound concern over Shaza El-Haj Mubarak’s continued detention, reiterates its unwavering solidarity with her, and calls on Tunisian authorities to release her immediately and end the injustices against her, holding the responsible parties fully accountable for her physical and psychological safety.
CFJ further states that the poor treatment Shaza endures in prison, coupled with her deprivation of basic rights and guarantees for a fair trial, constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights standards and another blow to press freedom in Tunisia.
