50 years of dictatorship in Tunisia: Report claims President Essebsi’s role in human rights violations

Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission has released its final report this week on over 50 years of dictatorship in the country. The 2,000-page report gives a devastating data of absolute torture and human rights violations.

The document has been launched by Sihem Bensedrine, President of Truth and Dignity Commission of Tunisia at a ceremony in the capital city, Tunis on March 26. The overall report is later posted in the Arabic-language document on the commission’s website.

According to The New York Times, the researchers performed over 4.5 years of researches, studies and investigations that was mandated by a Constitutional Assembly after Tunisia’s popular uprising of 2010 and 2011. That revolution inspired Arab Spring revolts across North Africa and the Middle East — most of which were followed by violent crackdowns and power struggles, if not civil war.

The report states that Béji Caïd Essebsi, Tunisia’s current President, is named by the commission for his role in human rights violations in 1963, during the presidency of Habib Bourguiba. During that time, he was the director of national security and in charge of dealing with an attempted military coup against former President of Tunisia, Habib Bourguiba.

The reports further state that Essebsi, who is currently 92-years old, oversaw several trials of Bourguiba’s opponents that were not fair and conducted by judges who were not independent. His brother, Slaheddine Caïd Essebsi is also named in the report who were present at the trials during those times. However, they have to yet comment on the recently released findings.

Also Read: Firestone in Liberia to reduce workforce on low rubber prices