Families of detained Tunisian pro-migrant activists are calling for their release, asserting that their humanitarian work has been mischaracterized. Leader Romdhane Ben Amor criticized the government for criminalizing activism amid heightened anti-migrant sentiment, while relatives of imprisoned activists report health deterioration and lack of care. The plight of these activists reflects broader issues surrounding migrants’ rights in Tunisia.
Families of ten imprisoned Tunisian pro-migrant activists, detained since May, have formally appealed for their release. At a press conference, Romdhane Ben Amor, leader of the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES), emphasized that these activists engaged in humanitarian efforts rather than political actions. He condemned the authorities for criminalizing their work to discourage support for migrants and refugees, ultimately coercing them towards “voluntary returns” orchestrated by the UN’s International Organisation for Migration.
As Tunisia increasingly serves as a transit hub for African migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, President Kais Saied has labeled sub-Saharan migrants as a demographic threat in 2023. This rhetoric has spurred a crackdown resulting in the arrests of the aforementioned activists. Among the family members advocating for the activists’ release is Emna Riahi, whose daughter, Sherifa Riahi, remains incarcerated despite the dismissal of serious charges such as money laundering and terrorism against her.
Additionally, family members of Mustapha Djemali, an elderly refugee rights advocate, highlighted his deteriorating health, reporting a weight loss of 35 kilograms (77 pounds) due to inadequate medical care during his imprisonment. Ben Amor criticized the Tunisian government for using the imprisonment of activists to legitimize the president’s anti-migrant discourse, while also denouncing the perceived complacency of the European Union and other international organizations regarding this situation.
The families of detained pro-migrant activists in Tunisia are advocating for their release, emphasizing their humanitarian intentions and criticizing the government’s crackdown on migrants. The appeal coincides with heightened anti-migrant sentiments stemming from President Kais Saied’s controversial statements, leading to the unjust imprisonment of activists. The situation raises serious concerns about human rights practices in Tunisia and the broader implications for migrant support in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
