Press Release
The “Committee for Justice” (CFJ) has recently observed an escalation in targeting human rights defenders in Tunisia, expressing concern over the arbitrary measures taken against Siham Ben Sedrine, the former president of the Truth and Dignity Commission, who is facing legal proceedings related to allegations of financial corruption.
This development follows an appeal filed by Ben Sedrine’s defense team against the refusal to release her in a case now referred to as the “Forgery of the Final Report of the Truth and Dignity Commission.” The investigative judge at the Economic and Financial Judicial Pole has recently forwarded this appeal to the Indictment Division of the Tunis Court of Appeal, which specializes in financial corruption cases, for review.
Fathi Rebii, a member of Ben Sedrine’s defense team, stated that the defense is still awaiting a decision on the appeal against the refusal to release their client. He clarified that this case, which dates back to 2019, is part of a series of six investigative cases, raising questions about the timing and objectives of these judicial pursuits.
CFJ condemns the arbitrary measures taken against Siham Ben Sedrine and calls for an end to these practices, the dismissal of all charges against her, and her immediate release. The committee also urges an end to the targeting of human rights defenders and demands the establishment of a safe environment for their advocacy activities in Tunisia.
