March 24th, 2010 by Chanan

Tunisian authorities reportedly physically restrained and prevented human rights activists and journalists from attending a Human Rights Watch (HRW) news conference, where the international organization was slated to present its findings on Tunisia’s repression of political prisoners. The 42-page report chronicles the repressive and arbitrary methods used by the Tunisian authorities on former prisoners.

“Any attempt by the Tunisian authorities to disrupt our report release will focus attention on the government’s disrespect for freedom of speech,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW’s Middle East director. “The treatment of Human Rights Watch by the Tunisian government is business as usual for Tunisian human rights defenders.”

The government’s actions come at a sensitive time, with the country’s leaders hoping to be granted ”advanced status” by the European Union.

Posted in Human Rights, Tunisia, Uncategorized |