UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk Tunisia Elections: UN Calls for Human Rights Human Rights
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday called on the Tunisian authorities to “protect the country’s democratic processes and uphold fundamental freedoms.” Türk expressed concern that the country’s presidential campaign had been “marred by repression against the opposition, independent activists and journalists.”
Arrests of Political Figures
In the weeks leading up to the October 6 elections, more than 100 potential candidates and other political figures were arrested on charges ranging from falsifying election documents to threatening national security.
Of the 17 potential candidates, the Independent Supreme Electoral Authority cleared only three to participate in the election process. A number of presidential candidates were arrested and given lengthy prison sentences on charges including signature falsification.
“These cases are alarming. These trials demonstrate a lack of respect for due process and fair trial guarantees,” the High Commissioner said.
Refusal to Comply with Court Order
In another worrying development, on 2 September the Electoral Commission refused to comply with an Administrative Court order to readmit three excluded candidates. In an extraordinary session a few days before the election, Parliament passed a law removing the electoral dispute from the Administrative Court’s jurisdiction. “The rejection of a legally binding judicial decision runs counter to basic respect for the rule of law,” Türk said.
Pressure on civil society
This comes in the broader context of growing pressure on civil society over the past year, targeting numerous journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents, as well as judges and lawyers, he said.
“Since 2011, Tunisia has been an exemplary country in its efforts to ensure accountability and reparations for past violations, including through the work of the Truth and Dignity Commission,” the High Commissioner said. – Unfortunately, some of these achievements have been lost, and the recent arrest of the former head of the commission is an example of this.”
Volker Türk called on Tunisia to take measures to protect human rights, as well as “to release all those arbitrarily detained.”