On the rule of law and human rights situation in Tunisia, particularly the case of Sonia Dahmani

B100520/2025

European Parliament resolution on the rule of law and human rights situation in Tunisia, particularly the case of Sonia Dahmani

(2025/2988(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Tunisia;

- having regard to the EU–Tunisia Association Agreement and in particular its Article 2;

- having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure;

A. whereas recent years have witnessed a worrying erosion of democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in Tunisia;

B. whereas lawyer and media commentator Sonia Dahmani has been convicted to a combined sentence of more than four years in prison and continues to face arbitrary detention solely for her media commentaries and peaceful expression;

C. whereas Dahmani faces additional politically motivated prosecutions, including under the highly repressive Decree-Law 54 on Cybercrime;

D. whereas serious concerns exist regarding her inhumane detention conditions, including inadequate access to healthcare, restricted communication with her family and lawyers, and repeated procedural delays;

E. whereas her sister, Ramla Dahmani, who has courageously advocated for her release, was sentenced in absentia in July 2025 on abusive “false news” charges under Decree-Law 54, demonstrating an alarming attempt to intimidate relatives and supporters of detainees;

F. whereas in April 2025, 37 individuals were sentenced to severe prison terms in the politically fabricated “Conspiracy Case”;

G. whereas these cases form part of a broader pattern of authoritarian consolidation, shrinking civic space, and the systematic instrumentalisation of the judiciary to punish dissent;

1. Strongly condemns the politically motivated conviction, arbitrary detention and ongoing judicial harassment of Sonia Dahmani; expresses profound concern for her health and degrading detention conditions;

2. Calls on the Tunisian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sonia Dahmani, overturn her convictions and free all individuals imprisoned or prosecuted solely for exercising their human rights; calls on the authorities to drop the charges against her sister Ramla and refrain from harassing their family;

3. Condemns the April 2025 mass sentencing in the “Conspiracy Case” against human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and civil society representatives as a blatant demonstration of the repressive practices of the authorities against any form of dissent;

4. Calls for the full repeal of Decree-Law 54 and all legislation used to restrict freedom of expression and civic space;

5. Expresses unwavering solidarity with Tunisia’s civil society, human rights defenders, lawyers’ associations, independent media;

6. Calls on the HRVP, the President of the Commission and the Member States to express in the strongest possible terms their concerns regarding the ongoing crackdown, and to pursue coordinated diplomatic action at the highest level aimed at facilitating the release of political detainees;

7. Calls on the Commission and the Council to ensure that human rights and the respect for the rule of law are placed at the centre of ongoing cooperation agreements with Tunisia, such as the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, as well as of any future meeting of the EU-Tunisia Association Council;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HRVP, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Tunisian authorities, and relevant international organisations.