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

B100532/2025

European Parliament resolution on 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,

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

having regard to the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy,

having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas, since 2021 the Tunisian authorities have intensified a wide-ranging crackdown on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, independent civil society and political opposition;

whereas in 2025, the so-called “Conspiracy Case” was opened, whereas civil society activists and politicians like Rached Ghannouchi were victims of politically driven charges like lawyer Ahmed Souab, sentenced to five years in prison after a seven-minute trial; whereas numerous journalists have been prosecuted under Decree-Law 2022-54, systematically using alleged “fake news” to suppress dissenting voices; whereas activists on migration, anti-racism and refugee protection face arbitrary investigations, whereas restrictions on foreign financing apply to NGOs;

whereas Sonia Dahmani, a 60-year-old lawyer and media commentator, has been arbitrarily detained since May 2024 with five separate legal cases initiated against her, based on her comments made on television and radio about migration, racism and detention conditions;

whereas Dahmani has already been sentenced to over four years in prison in three separate cases, based on Decree-Law 2022-54, whereas two further criminal cases against her could increase her sentence significantly.

whereas Dahmani is being held in inhumane conditions and denied adequate healthcare and medication;

1. Strongly condemns the escalating repression in Tunisia including arbitrary detentions, politically motivated persecutions and restrictions on freedom of expression and association; calls on the Tunisian authorities to immediately release all individuals detained for the exercise of their rights and to cease intimidation of NGOs, lawyers, journalists, and human rights defenders;

2. Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Dahmani, a guarantee for her physical and psychological integrity, access to adequate medical care and the release of all other political prisoners;

3. Urges the Tunisian authorities to drop all pending charges against Dahmani and to quash all convictions handed down in politically motivated proceedings;

4. Calls on Tunisian authorities to repeal Decree-Law 2022-54 and to revise all legislation restricting freedom of expression;

5. Urges the Tunisian authorities to guarantee judicial independence, prevent executive interference in judicial functions including the reinstatement of all judges dismissed without due process and to ensure fair-trial guarantees;

6. Calls on the EU and Member States to make human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms again the centre of political dialogue, financial assistance, security cooperation and migration agreements with Tunisia and to condition non-urgent financial assistance on progress in restoring judicial independence, protecting civil society and safeguarding fundamental rights;

7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President/High Representative, the President of the Republic of Tunisia, the Tunisian government and parliament, and the African Union.