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

B100537/2025

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 Euro-Mediterranean association agreement between the EU and Tunisia,

having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic and global partnership between the European Union and Tunisia,

having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas Sonia Dahmani, a 60-year-old Tunisian lawyer and media commentator, who regularly appeared on television and radio shows, has been detained since 11 May 2024, when security forces arrested her from the Tunisian Bar Association’s office in Tunis;

whereas she is facing five separate legal proceedings, all stemming from the exercise of her right to freedom of expression; whereas she is serving a nearly five-year sentence on three convictions, under cybercrime Decree-Law 54, and could face another 20 years if convicted in two outstanding cases; whereas she lives in a tiny, shared cell, without adequate conditions and adequate medical care;

whereas Decree-Law 54, promulgated in 2022 on combating offences relating to information and communication systems, has been associated with a rise in prosecutions involving expressions of opinion, including cases affecting political activists and journalists, and has been criticised for its potential impact on freedom of expression and public participation;

whereas freedoms of expression and association, as well as the independence of the judiciary, are guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution and form the basis of the partnership with the EU; whereas Tunisia remains a strategic partner for the EU;

whereas the economic and social environment, with high public debt and economic crisis, had impacts on economic and social rights, increasing social fragility, limiting the protection of fundamental rights and undermining the internal stability of the country;

Demands to immediately release Sonia Dahmani and all those detained solely for exercising the rights to freedom of expression and/or association;

Insists on the protection of the rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and on upholding and respecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution;

Underlines that respect for the Rule of law, freedom of expression, freedom of association, the independence of the judiciary, and human rights is fundamental to revitalise democracy and to the EU–Tunisia relationship;

Emphasises the importance of continuing to support the country’s economic growth and social progress, as prosperity and development are key to effectively ensuring the stability of the country and addressing shared complex challenges;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European External Action Service, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government and Parliament of the Republic of Tunisia