(Brussels 29 September, 2003)
As the Italian Presidency and the European
Commission prepare for tomorrow's EU-Tunisia Association Council in
Brussels, Amnesty International has released a briefing paper detailing its
concerns about draft "anti-terrorism" legislation currently before the
Tunisian parliament which could be used to stifle freedom of expression,
and may increase the use of military courts.
Given the EU's stated policy that "terrorism" must not be fought at the
expense of human rights, Amnesty International calls on the Italian EU
Presidency and the European Commission to engage the Tunisian government in
serious discussion at tomorrow's talks about revising the proposed law or
withdrawing it altogether.
"The EU and Tunisia both signed up to Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean
Association Agreement which bases their relations on respect for human
rights, democratic principles and the rule of law," Dick Oosting, Director
of Amnesty International's EU Office said.
"Amnesty has already voiced its concerns over existing 'anti-terrorism'
legislation in Tunisia which has been used as a pretext for repression of
political dissent. Under the new draft law tabled in the Tunisian Chamber
of Deputies in June, acts of freedom of expression advocating change in
government policies - actions which are totally consistent with
international law - could be considered acts of 'terrorism'," he warned.
Amnesty International calls on the EU to urge Tunisia to fulfil its
obligations under international human rights law and the Association
Agreement by revising the draft "anti-terrorism" legislation, in line with
international human rights standards, to ensure that measures to combat
"terrorism" and to enhance security are embedded in a solid human rights
framework.
In particular, the EU should seek safeguards from Tunisia that people
suspected of and convicted for involvement in "terrorism" are not subjected
to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, have the right
to a trial in accordance with international fair trial standards and
without the imposition of the death penalty.
In concrete terms, the EU should engage Tunisia in a specific programme of
action which would bring the country's laws and practices in line with its
obligations under national and international law, including the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention
Against torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment.
Documents available on http://www.amnesty-eu.org :
"Tunisia: a new draft "anti-terrorism" law may further undermine human rights: Amnesty International briefing for the EU-Tunisia Association Council September 2003
"Tunisia: Breaking the cycle of injustice - Recommendations to the European
Union June 2003"
"Tunisia: the cycle of injustice June 2003"
For further comment/background and interviews:
Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels):
Email: amnesty-eu@aieu.be
Web-site: http://www.amnesty-eu.org
As the Italian Presidency and the European
Commission prepare for tomorrow's EU-Tunisia Association Council in
Brussels, Amnesty International has released a briefing paper detailing its
concerns about draft "anti-terrorism" legislation currently before the
Tunisian parliament which could be used to stifle freedom of expression,
and may increase the use of military courts.
Given the EU's stated policy that "terrorism" must not be fought at the
expense of human rights, Amnesty International calls on the Italian EU
Presidency and the European Commission to engage the Tunisian government in
serious discussion at tomorrow's talks about revising the proposed law or
withdrawing it altogether.
"The EU and Tunisia both signed up to Article 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean
Association Agreement which bases their relations on respect for human
rights, democratic principles and the rule of law," Dick Oosting, Director
of Amnesty International's EU Office said.
"Amnesty has already voiced its concerns over existing 'anti-terrorism'
legislation in Tunisia which has been used as a pretext for repression of
political dissent. Under the new draft law tabled in the Tunisian Chamber
of Deputies in June, acts of freedom of expression advocating change in
government policies - actions which are totally consistent with
international law - could be considered acts of 'terrorism'," he warned.
Amnesty International calls on the EU to urge Tunisia to fulfil its
obligations under international human rights law and the Association
Agreement by revising the draft "anti-terrorism" legislation, in line with
international human rights standards, to ensure that measures to combat
"terrorism" and to enhance security are embedded in a solid human rights
framework.
In particular, the EU should seek safeguards from Tunisia that people
suspected of and convicted for involvement in "terrorism" are not subjected
to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, have the right
to a trial in accordance with international fair trial standards and
without the imposition of the death penalty.
In concrete terms, the EU should engage Tunisia in a specific programme of
action which would bring the country's laws and practices in line with its
obligations under national and international law, including the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention
Against torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment.
Documents available on http://www.amnesty-eu.org :
"Tunisia: a new draft "anti-terrorism" law may further undermine human rights: Amnesty International briefing for the EU-Tunisia Association Council September 2003
"Tunisia: Breaking the cycle of injustice - Recommendations to the European
Union June 2003"
"Tunisia: the cycle of injustice June 2003"
For further comment/background and interviews:
Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels):
Email: amnesty-eu@aieu.be
Web-site: http://www.amnesty-eu.org