Narrator Jeremy Laurence called At least nine people have reportedly been arrested and some jailed since Saturday on charges of security and bribery.
According to media reports, those arrested included two former judges, a lawyer, a prominent businessman, the head of a radio station and the leader of the Islamist party Ennahdha.
Worry about military tribunals
OHCHR noted that Tunisia’s Attorney General has increasing number of criminal proceedings against the President’s alleged opponents, accusing them of “conspiracy against state security”, insulting the head of state or violating the law decree on combating cybercrime.
“We are also concerned that some of those charged with criticizing the government have been arrested tried before military courts. We call on the authorities to immediately stop the practice of trying civilians before military tribunals,” Laurence said in a speech in Geneva.
OHCHR urged the Tunisian authorities to respect due process and fair trial standards in all trials and to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained.
undermining the judiciary
Mr Laurence added that since July 2021 the authorities have also taken a number of measures that have undermined the independence of the judiciary, including Dissolution of the High Judicial Council and the dismissal of 57 judges.
“We call on the authorities to work towards bringing the laws, procedures and practices of the judiciary in line with applicable international norms and standards and to uphold judicial independence and the rule of law through the separation of powers,” he said.
