ACAT-France has learned with satisfaction the parole of 177 prisoners of conscience and common law. However, we are still far from the general amnesty of political prisoners, promised by the new government.
On 31 January, the Tunisian Minister of Justice announced the parole of 177 prisoners, all having made more than half of their sentence. If these releases are good news for those of the 177 who have been convicted of common crimes, however they represent a substitute for freedom for prisoners of conscience who have been wrongfully convicted and should therefore benefit from an amnesty and not on parole.
ACAT-France also learned late last week, the provisional release of several political detainees and prisoners who are awaiting trial at first instance or on appeal. This is particularly true Ghaith Ghazouani, Rafiq Ali, Hani Mchichi, sentenced last year to prison terms ranging from 8 months to 5 years imprisonment on the basis of the Anti-terrorism, solely on the basis of confessions obtained under duress. They are currently awaiting an appeal decision.
These prisoners, as well as all those who have been arrested or convicted for their political or religious views, should receive immediate abandonment of the prosecution and an unconditional amnesty. This is the prisoners of conscience remain imprisoned and those who are on the run since several prisons have opened their doors 14 and 15 January.
Source: http://www.acatfrance.fr/communiques_presse.php?id=182
