UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday urged the President of Tunisia to restore the High Judicial Council, warning that its dissolution would seriously undermine the rule of law, the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary in the country.
The President on Sunday announced his decision to dissolve the High Judicial Council, a body mandated to ensure the proper functioning of justice and independence of the judicial authority, and charged with appointing most judicial positions in the country. Its establishment in 2016 was hailed as a major advance in the consolidation of the rule of law, separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary in Tunisia.
“Much remains to be done to bring justice sector legislation, procedures and practices in line with applicable international standards – but this has been a big step in the wrong direction,” Bachelet said. “The dissolution of the High Judicial Council is in clear violation of Tunisia’s obligations under international human rights law.”
The office buildings of the High Judicial Council have been cordoned off by Internal Security Forces and members and staff have been prevented from entering the premises. There have also been online hate campaigns and threats against the Council’s members. The High Commissioner stressed that all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard the security of members and staff of the Council.
This is the latest development in a worrying trajectory in the country. On 25 July 2021, the President suspended Parliament and assumed all executive functions. Since then, there have been increasing attempts to stifle dissent, including through harassment of civil society actors.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
Advertisement
Supreme Judicial Court in Tunisia: Ambassadors’ joint statement, 8 February 2022: Joint statement by the Ambassadors of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union: The Ambassadors...
Tunisian magistrates, lawyers protest over council dissolution: Tunisian magistrates and lawyers have staged a demonstration outside Tunis’ Palace of Justice, protesting the recent announcement by the nation’s president that he intends to...
Tunisian judges hold emergency meeting over council dissolution: Members of the Tunisian Judges’ Association held an emergency meeting after President Kais Saied’s move to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council months after a July...
Federal Government of Nigeria Denies Dissolution of Federal Executive Council: …By Larry John for TDPel Media. The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted claims circulating in certain circles that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has...
Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa has just broken the news of the dissolution of the Executive Council: Governor Aiyedatiwa Dissolves State Executive Council In a bold and far-reaching decision, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially announced the dissolution of the...
Ondo State Governor Announces Dissolution of Executive Council and Immediate Removal of Former Governor’s Aides: Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Swift Move: Dissolution of Ondo State Executive Council Unveiled In a significant administrative development, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has taken the...
Continued violence in the Central African Republic undermines the chance for inclusive political dialogue: Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Political Coordinator at the UN, at the Security Council Briefing on the Central African Republic: Thank you, Madam President, and...
Trident Missile Test Failure Undermines UK’s Nuclear Deterrent: The recent failure of a Trident missile test has raised concerns over the efficacy of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. Valued at £17 million, the missile misfired...
Man Seriously Injured in Daylight Stabbing on West London High Street: In a distressing incident, a man has been left seriously injured after being stabbed on a west London high street during broad daylight. The victim,...
Signing of Judicial Marshals law to empower justice system – Gordon: Senator Richard J. Gordon today welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 11691 establishing the Judicial Marshals, calling it as a great day for the...