The UN on Tuesday January 11 called for the release or indictment of the former minister and strongman of the Tunisian Islamist-inspired party Ennahdha, Noureddine Bhiri and is concerned about the "
deterioration
" of the human rights situation in the country.
"
The events that unfolded in Tunisia over the past month have heightened our already deep concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in this country
," said OHCHR spokesperson Liz Throssell. , during a press briefing in Geneva.
To read also Tunisia: the ex-minister of Ennahdha, Noureddine Bhiri "between life and death"
On December 31, Noureddine Bhiri was taken by car by plainclothes police to an undisclosed location, in what his party described as "
an abduction
".
Suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and a history of heart disease, he was hospitalized two days later as he has been on a hunger strike since his arrest.
“
The authorities said he was suspected of terrorism-related offenses.
However, we understand that his lawyers have not yet been formally informed of the charges against him
, ”said Liz Throssell.
A second man "taken into custody"
"
A second man was also taken and detained on the same day and in similar circumstances, without it being known where he is until January 4,
" she added. The family of the two men and the UN Human Rights Office in Tunisia were able to visit them. However, said Throssell, "
these two incidents echo practices not seen since the Ben Ali era and raise serious questions regarding kidnappings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions
." "
We urge the authorities to quickly release these two men or to indict them in accordance with the standards of criminal procedure,
" she said.
Ennahdha has been at the heart of a standoff with President Kais Saied since his coup on July 25 and his decision to freeze Parliament, which this party had controlled for ten years.
Ennahdha and other opponents denounced a "
coup
", and various Tunisian and international NGOs say they fear an authoritarian drift.
President Saied says he wants to "
save
" the country, plagued by months of political blockages, and announced in December a referendum for July 25.
Read also Tunisia: hospitalized, the strong man of Ennahdha refuses food and drugs
“
In addition to the actions of the internal security forces, we are concerned about the stifling of dissent in Tunisia, in particular the inadequate use of anti-terrorism legislation, and the increasing use of military courts to try civilians
”, also indicated the spokesperson of the High Commission.