TUNIS: Tunisia has expressed “deep astonishment” after the United Nations accused it of cracking down on political opponents, dismissing the criticism as inaccurate and unfounded.
President Kais Saied was elected in 2019 after Tunisia emerged as the only democracy from the Arab Spring, but in 2021 he staged a sweeping power grab that has seen a rollback on freedoms.
The UN human rights office last week condemned the “persecution of political opponents” in Tunisia, including arbitrary arrests, flawed trials and vague charges against activists, journalists and opposition figures.
The foreign ministry rejected the allegations in a statement posted on Facebook overnight.
“Tunisia has received with deep astonishment the inaccuracies and criticisms contained in the statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, regarding the situations of some Tunisian citizens who are subject to judicial prosecution by the national judiciary,” it said.
“Tunisia does not need to emphasize its keenness to protect human rights as it deeply believes in these rights and is committed to the provisions of its constitution, its national laws and its international commitments.
“In this context, Tunisia can give lessons to those who think they are in a position to make statements or lessons,” it added.
The statement defended Tunisia’s security forces, saying they “do not pursue demonstrators but rather secure and protect them” and provide some opposition figures with “special protection.”
On Wednesday, the day after the UN criticism, prominent human rights activist Sihem Bensedrine, held since August, was released, but the 70-year-old remains under prosecution and subject to a travel ban.
The foreign ministry insisted the cases cited by the UN involved “public law crimes unrelated to political, party or media activities, or the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression.”
“No one can claim to be above accountability or use pressure at home or abroad to evade justice or escape punishment,” it said, adding judicial proceedings were independent and respected all legal guarantees.
Dozens of political figures, including Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, as well as businessmen and journalists, are in detention.
Most face charges of plotting “against state security.” Ghannouchi was sentenced to 22 years in prison earlier this month.
A high-profile trial, known as the “state security conspiracy case,” is set to open on March 4.
Tunisia voices ‘astonishment’ at UN criticism of rights record
https://arab.news/yd7nv
Tunisia voices ‘astonishment’ at UN criticism of rights record
- The UN human rights office last week condemned the “persecution of political opponents” in Tunisia, including arbitrary arrests, flawed trials and vague charges against activists, journalists and opposition figures
Spain highlights importance of Gaza reconstruction
- Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, in a coordinated move alongside Ireland and Norway
RAMALLAH: The Palestinian prime minister, Mohammed Mustafa, and the Spanish foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, on Friday discussed the latest developments in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
During their telephone conversation they emphasized the need to intensify international efforts to end the Israeli occupation and halt attacks and settler violence, and to secure the release of Palestinian funds held by Israeli authorities.
They affirmed the importance of ongoing efforts relating to plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, and Europe’s significant role in this process. Mustafa and Albares highlighted the need to unify Palestinian institutions in Gaza with those in the West Bank, with the aim of establishing a Palestinian state in line with international resolutions, including last year’s New York Declaration.
They also discussed coordination between their countries, and the strengthening of Spain’s political, diplomatic and financial support for Palestine, and Mustafa thanked Spain for its ongoing support.
Spain officially recognized Palestine as a state in May 2024, in a coordinated move alongside Ireland and Norway. Estephan Salameh, the Palestinian finance and planning minister, is set to visit Spain this month to discuss enhanced cooperation, particularly in the areas of development and reconstruction. Meanwhile, Israel continues operating in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian Prisoners media office said on Friday that Israel carried out numerous raids across the territory, including the major cities of Ramallah and Hebron, according to The Associated Press.
Nearly 50 people were detained, following the arrest of at least 50 other Palestinians on Thursday, most of those in the Ramallah area.
As 2026 begins, the shaky 12-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has largely ended large-scale Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
But Palestinians are still being killed by Israeli fire, especially along the so-called Yellow Line that delineates areas under Israeli control, and the humanitarian crisis is compounded by frequent winter rains and colder temperatures.
On Friday, American actor and film producer Angelina Jolie visited the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
The only crossing between the territory and a country other than Israel, it remains closed despite Palestinian requests to reopen it to people and aid.
Jolie met with members of the Red Crescent on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing and then visited a hospital in the nearby city of Arish to speak with Palestinian patients on Friday, according to Egyptian officials.
Aid groups say not enough shelter materials are getting into Gaza during the truce.
