The families of detained Tunisian activists appealed for their release, asserting they engaged in humanitarian work. Authorities have criminalized these actions under the pretext of controlling migration. The activists face serious health risks while imprisoned, amid a backdrop of increased anti-migrant rhetoric from government officials. Calls for international attention to these human rights violations continue, highlighting the need for urgent action.
On Tuesday, families of detained Tunisian pro-migrant and anti-racism activists, who have been imprisoned since May, made a public appeal for their release. Romdhane Ben Amor, the head of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), asserted that the ten detainees were involved in humanitarian efforts rather than political activities, yet their actions had been criminalized by authorities.
Ben Amor emphasized that the government aimed to undermine migrants and refugees and compel them to accept “voluntary returns” facilitated by the UN’s International Organization for Migration. Tunisia serves as a crucial transit point for African migrants who seek better economic prospects in Europe, highlighting the nuanced challenges they face.
In 2023, President Kais Saied made controversial comments, labeling sub-Saharan migrants as a threat to Tunisia’s demographic structure, which triggered a significant crackdown on migrants and the subsequent arrest of activists. Among those advocating for their release was Emna Riahi, mother of Sherifa Riahi, a former leader in migrant advocacy, calling for her daughter’s freedom following the dismissal of serious charges against her.
The press conference also featured the daughters of Mustapha Djemali, an esteemed figure in refugee support, who reported their father’s alarming weight loss of 35 kilograms and lack of medical care during imprisonment. Ben Amor stated that these activists were wrongfully imprisoned to legitimize the president’s racially charged assertions, criticizing the lack of response from the European Union and global organizations regarding the situation.
In conclusion, the families of detained activists in Tunisia are urgently requesting their release, with representatives highlighting that these individuals were committed to humanitarian efforts. The ongoing governmental crackdown on migrants and activists raises significant concerns about human rights abuses in the country, as echoed by families and observers alike. As international bodies remain silent, the situation demands further scrutiny and action to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants in Tunisia.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
