Families of Detained Activists in Tunisia Appeal for Release

Families of detained Tunisian activists appealed for their release at a press conference, asserting that these individuals engaged in humanitarian work. NGO leader Romdhane Ben Amor stated the authorities had unjustly criminalized their actions, aimed at undermining migrants and pressuring them into voluntary returns. The situation reflects a growing crackdown on migrant advocacy, prompted by alarming rhetoric from President Kais Saied.

On Tuesday, families of detained Tunisian activists advocating for migrant rights issued an appeal for their release. These activists, who have been imprisoned since May, focus on humanitarian efforts rather than political advocacy, according to Romdhane Ben Amor, the head of FTDES, an NGO. He emphasized that their actions have been unjustly criminalized by authorities in Tunisia.

Ben Amor articulated that the government’s actions aim to further undermine migrants and refugees, coercing them into accepting ‘voluntary returns’ facilitated by the International Organization for Migration. As a significant transit country for African migrants seeking better opportunities in Europe, Tunisia has seen an increase in hostility towards this demographic.

In 2023, President Kais Saied labeled the influx of sub-Saharan migrants as a threat to the nation’s demographic structure, leading to intensified crackdowns on migrants and the arrest of activists who support them. Among the families present at the press conference, Emna Riahi advocated for her daughter, Sherifa Riahi, a mother of two, to be released following the dismissal of serious charges against her.

Yusra and Emna Djemali, daughters of Mustapha Djemali, an 80-year-old activist who has suffered significant health decline in prison, also spoke out. They highlighted the grave conditions their father faces, including losing 35 kilograms while enduring a lack of medication. According to Ben Amor, these activists are detained to reinforce the presidential rhetoric on race, with the complicity of international bodies drawing criticism for their inaction.

The appeal by the families of detained activists highlights the crucial need for the Tunisian authorities to reassess their stance on humanitarian efforts related to migration. The accusations of criminalization against these individuals underscore systemic issues surrounding migrant rights in Tunisia. Their case exemplifies the broader challenges faced by migrants and advocates in a politically charged environment, further complicated by international oversight. Continued advocacy is essential to ensure the protection and support of migrants in Tunisia.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com