Lawyers and families of jailed Tunisian opposition leaders have called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate a crackdown on political opposition and the abuse of Black African migrants in Tunisia.
The North African country has received European Union financial support to help manage migration.
This marks the second time Tunisian opposition members have sought an ICC probe.
Last year, families of seven imprisoned politicians requested the court to investigate claims of political persecution and human rights violations by President Kais Saied’s administration.
Lawyers are now filing a second request for an investigation, citing new claims of abuse against migrants and persecution of opposition leaders.
This request comes less than two weeks before the October 6 elections, in which Saied is seeking a second term.
“The new evidence shows that Black African migrants are facing brutal and heartless treatment at the hands of the Tunisian authorities.
The ICC has the jurisdiction to investigate these alleged crimes against humanity and should act with the full force of international law to protect those most vulnerable,” lawyer Rodney Dixon stated.
The statement highlighted that countless migrants report experiences of arbitrary arrest on land or at sea, followed by collective expulsion to desert regions along the borders with Algeria and Libya.
Migrants have reported being beaten, mistreated, and suffering psychological abuse.