Lawyers and families of imprisoned Tunisian opposition leaders have appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate a crackdown on political opposition and the mistreatment of Black African migrants in Tunisia, a North African country receiving financial support from the European Union to curb migration.
This is the second time opposition members have called on the ICC to launch a probe.
Last year, relatives of seven jailed politicians requested the court investigate accusations of political persecution and human rights abuses under President Kais Saied’s administration.
Now, lawyers are submitting a fresh request for an investigation following new reports of migrant abuse and the continued persecution of opposition figures.
The appeal comes just weeks before the October 6 elections, in which Saied is seeking re-election.
“The latest evidence reveals the brutal and inhumane treatment of Black African migrants by Tunisian authorities.
The ICC has the authority to investigate these alleged crimes against humanity and must act decisively under international law to protect the vulnerable,” lawyer Rodney Dixon said in a statement.
“Numerous migrants recount similar experiences of arbitrary arrest, both on land and at sea, followed by mass expulsions to desert areas near the Algerian and Libyan borders.
Many report being beaten, mistreated, and subjected to psychological abuse,” the statement added.
For many sub-Saharan Africans, who can travel visa-free to Tunisia, the country serves as a gateway to Europe.
Others cross from neighboring Libya, which shares a border with Tunisia.
