Tunisia-ATFD condemns political arrests

Tunisian Association of Women Democrats (ATFD) said following the arbitrary detentions of political activists, carried out under conditions contrary to the law, emphasising that the public prosecutor had not issued an arrest warrant.

ATFD reveals that the arrests were carried out at dawn, accompanied by intimidation and threats against the families of activists, which leaves no room for doubt as to the political nature of these detentions.

The ATFD has denounced these arrests of political activists who exercise their right to difference in a peaceful framework. It likewise denounces the methods of arrest and detention, which are characterized by terror and intimidation, flouting the security of the houses and families of activists.

ATFD recollects that the exercise of the right to difference and the expression of its opinion is secured by the Constitution and national laws, as well as by international instruments, including the right to criticize political power. It highlights the significance of respecting all legal arrest procedures and providing fair conditions for the trial, including the state’s responsibility to protect the rights of all prisoners, in particular by indicating their place of detention, the Reason for their arrest, informing their families and permitting them to have a lawyer.