afrol News, 23 June - Amnesty International (AI) has revealed shocking human rights violations in Tunisia despite stubborn stance by the country to portray a positive image of human rights situation.

A newly released AI report revealed that Tunisia security forces routinely use torture and illegal detention under its anti-terrorism laws.

Tunisia, renowned for being absolute dictator, imposing significant restrictions on freedom of speech and human rights, and having a total ban on opposition, has been under scrutiny for serious human rights violations being committed in connection with the government's security and counter-terrorism policies.

AI Deputy Director for Middle East and North Africa Program, Mr Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, said Tunisia should act on human rights violations in the country.

"As a first step, the Tunisian authorities must acknowledge the disturbing allegations documented in this report, commit to investigating them and bring those responsible to justice," he said.

Since draconian anti-terror laws were introduced in 2003, AI has found evidence of arrest dates being falsified, prisoners held incommunicado and torture used to extract confessions.

AI chief said terrorist cells inside Tunisia led to arbitrary arrests and detentions which breach Tunisian law. "Officials have forcibly disappeared detainees, used torture and other ill-treatment and tried, convicted and sentenced people using unfair proceedings" he said.

He emphasised that Tunisian authorities are obliged to protect the public and combat terrorism, but when doing so they must comply with their obligations under international human rights law," stressed Mr Hadj Sahraoui.

Tunisia gained independence in 1956, since then, it has been facing little opposition.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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