A group of United Nations experts expressed deep concern on Thursday over the arrest of Sihem Bensedrine, the former head of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission.
Bensedrine was detained last week on allegations of falsifying the commission’s final report, according to local media.
The UN experts characterized the arrest as a potential case of judicial harassment, highlighting the broader context of suppressed dissent in Tunisia.
They warned that the move could have a chilling effect on journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations operating within the country.
Bensedrine’s commission was established to investigate human rights abuses committed under Tunisia’s former authoritarian regimes.
The experts emphasized that the arrest could be an attempt to discredit the commission’s findings, which implicated individuals involved in corruption during those periods.
The UN officials called on Tunisian authorities to guarantee Bensedrine a fair trial and to cease any form of reprisal against her.
They also urged the country to uphold its commitment to protecting members of truth commissions from legal repercussions related to their work or the content of their reports.
The statement was issued by the UN special rapporteurs on the promotion of truth, justice, and reparation; freedom of expression; and human rights defenders.
It is important to note that special rapporteurs are independent experts and do not represent the official position of the United Nations.