Written evidence submitted by the International
Campaign for Human Rights in Tunisia
We write to you in your capacity to draw your
attention to the alarming deterioration in all fields and on all
levels in Tunisia, as a result of the Tunisian authorities' repressive
policies towards all political dissidents and civil society activists.
This oppressive reality is in flagrant contrast with the official
discourse, which unscrupulously exploits the slogans of democracy,
human rights and civil society whilst adopting a repressive security
policy that is unparalleled except in authoritarian states.
The existence of over 500 prisoners of conscience,
who live in extremely severe prison conditions and whose human
dignity is systematically undermined, tragically epitomises Tunisia's
crisis. Several of these prisoners have died, either under torture,
or as a result of wilful medical negligence. These political prisoners
were sentenced in 1992 in unjust military trials, which lacked
the minimum requirements for a fair and independent trial.
On the level of political life and civil society,
the Tunisian government maintains an iron grip and close police
surveillance on the activities of authorised and unauthorised
political parties. This has led to a political life void of any
credible representation. At the same time, institutions of civil
society have been targeted and undermined, and the judiciary has
been implicated and used in the government's own battles against
its dissidents.
As for the press and other media, they remain
completely under the government's control, thus turning into propaganda
tools for the head of state. All spheres of independent public
expression—including radio, TV and press—have been
restricted. The internet itself is under strict surveillance,
either through monopoly of service providers by the President's
relatives and close allies, or through banning particular websites
and restricting free access to independent news sources. This
is in addition to the widespread state of corruption and nepotism
in higher government levels. The President's relatives and close
allies are systematically looting the country's resources and
interfering in all aspects of the economy, driving thousands of
Tunisians to emigrate to Europe.
The Tunisian government is in breach of international
accords and conventions it had ratified, and is in breach of the
second article of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership agreement,
which stresses the protection of liberties and human rights. By
all legal, political or ethical standards, the Tunisian government
is unfit to host the international information summit, set to
be held there in mid November and due to be attended by heads
of state, kings, and prominent politicians and officials.
These same causes have prompted a number of
representatives of political parties and civil society institutions
to embark on a hunger strike on 18 October, following the spread
of strikes throughout Tunisian prisons for over a month. They
demand the release of political prisoners, an end to their long
suffering, the guaranteeing of the freedom of political and associational
activities, and the lifting of all restrictions on the media.
I have no doubt that you are fully aware of
the bleak situation in Tunisia and that you will support reform
and democratic progress in the country, in defence of the universal
values of freedom and human rights.
Ali Ben Arfa
Campaign for Human Rights in Tunisia
14 November 2005
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