On Thursday, United Nations experts urged that Sihem Bensedrine, the former chief of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission, receive a fair trial.
They suggested her arrest might be an act of judicial harassment.
Bensedrine was detained for allegedly falsifying the commission’s report.
This panel, which she led, investigated abuses committed by past autocratic regimes in Tunisia, as reported by local media.
The arrest of Bensedrine, a noted rights activist, has raised concerns among UN experts.
They believe it could signal a suppression of freedom of opinion and expression, impacting journalists and human rights advocates.
The experts argue that Bensedrine’s arrest might be an attempt to undermine the commission’s report.
This report could potentially lead to legal actions against those accused of corruption from previous regimes.
They called on Tunisia to protect those involved in human rights investigations from defamation or legal proceedings related to their work.
The experts stressed the need for due process and an end to abusive actions against Bensedrine.
