Latest news with #Bizerte
Arab News
4 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Tunisia row over ‘repressive' transfers of political detainees
TUNIS: Several jailed Tunisian opposition figures have been transferred without prior notice to prisons far from their families in a move their lawyers and relatives on Friday denounced as 'repressive.' At least seven political figures were moved on Thursday from Mornaguia prison near Tunis to remote facilities, lawyer Dalila Msaddek told AFP. Prominent figure Issam Chebbi was taken to a jail in Tunisia's northernmost city of Bizerte, while Ridha BelHajj was moved to Siliana some two hours south of Tunis. 'They were moved without any warning to their families or lawyers,' said Msaddek. She called the transfers 'a form of harassment' aimed at making it harder for their Tunis-based families and lawyers to visit. Weekly prison visits in Tunisia allow families to bring prisoners baskets of food to last them through the week. Msaddek said some prison inmates resisted the move but were forcibly transferred. In a letter from prison posted on social media, BelHajj denounced what he called a forced transfer 'far from my family, my children, and my lawyers, in yet another attempt to break my will.' He said he, Chebbi and Ghazi Chaouachi were 'prisoners or conscience, not criminals.' 'What is happening today is a desperate attempt to silence free voices and intimidate anyone who dares to say 'no' to injustice and tyranny,' he wrote. Since President Kais Saied's power grab in July 2021, when he dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree, rights groups have warned of a sharp decline in civil liberties in the North African country. In a video statement, Chebbi's wife denounced the authorities' move as 'an injustice' and 'abuse.' She said she learned of the transfer during her scheduled weekly visit, and that her husband was informed just an hour before being moved. Once a French military bunker built in 1932, Bizerte prison — Borj Erroumi — became infamous for its harsh conditions under Tunisia's former longtime rulers Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. All of the transferred prisoners were defendants in a mass trial last month that saw around 40 public figures, some staunch Saied critics, sentenced to long terms on charges including plotting against the state. The trial drew international criticism, from France, Germany and the United Nations, which Saied dismissed as 'blatant interference in Tunisia's internal affairs.' During a protest in Tunis demanding the release of jailed lawyer Ahmed Souab, public figures also condemned the prison transfers. Souab had been a member of the defense team during the mass trial. He was detained on terrorism-related charges after claiming that judges were under political pressure to hand the defendants hefty sentences. 'We're seeing a return to the old practices of the Ben Ali dictatorship which aimed at breaking the morale of political prisoners by moving them from one prison to another,' opposition figure Chaima Issa told AFP during the protest. Also attending the rally, Chebbi's wife said he was now detained in 'inhumane' conditions after visiting him. She said he was being held in the same room as 60 other inmates, deprived of even 'basic standards of detention.'
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Panchkula village tense a month after Dalit groom's baraat procession ticked off upper castes
1 2 Panchkula: Almost a month after tensions flared up at Mauli village in Raipur Rani over upper caste people allegedly objecting to a Dalit groom riding horseback for his wedding procession, the situation has remained tense in the village, forcing Panchkula police to make special arrangements to maintain peace and strengthen security in the area. The incident occurred on April 7, when upper caste residents protested against a Dalit groom's arrival on horseback during a 'baraat'. To maintain order, authorities deployed approximately 300 police personnel in Mauli village throughout the wedding celebrations. Law enforcement remained present until the conclusion of the wedding ceremonies. Following the evening rituals, police ensured the safe departure of the newlyweds. Sources in villages said upper caste locals in Mauli village opposed the idea of a groom from a different caste entering their village on horseback, resulting in tensions between the groups. Despite police-mediated discussions, the conflict remained unresolved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bizerte: AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Aroun... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Reports indicate that while the groom was travelling from Shahzadpur to the village, upper caste members intercepted the procession. Upon receiving information, four police vehicles arrived at the location. Subsequently, the authorities escorted the wedding procession, ensuring the groom's carriage reached the village safely under their protection. The arrival of the wedding procession triggered unrest amongst some individuals, but the police maintained control. When certain individuals displayed aggressive behaviour towards the police, mild force was employed to restore order. The authorities dispersed the troublemakers, enabling the completion of traditional wedding ceremonies. Later acting on groom's complaint, police registered an FIR against eight people for allegedly stopping the procession and using casteist remarks. Heavy police deployment Panchkula police have deployed 120 policemen, including female officers, to avoid any untoward incidents in the area. Police officers are equipped with anti-riot gear to enable immediate action in case of emergencies. To enhance security, five permanent checkpoints have also been set up in the village, where police forces maintain strict surveillance. To strengthen monitoring, 12 special CCTV cameras were also installed in the village. Considering the situation, police officers equipped with five body cameras were deployed to keep a close watch on all activities in the village. A special tear gas team was also stationed to intervene promptly if needed. Senior police officers made it clear that any individual making caste-based comments or using offensive language on social media will face immediate action. The police are monitoring social media platforms 24x7 using special technical tools. To maintain control and improve surveillance, a control room has been set up in the village. This control room will monitor all activities in the area and ensure prompt action as required. The police administration stated that they are keeping a close watch on mischievous and anti-social elements disrupting peace, and strict legal action will be taken against them. Additionally, the police department appealed to the public not to believe any misleading information or rumours and to cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace. The police administration urges all citizens to maintain social harmony and contact the nearest police station in case of any issues. MSID:: 120825727 413 | The unrest A dispute erupted in Mauli village, Panchkula, when upper caste members objected to a Dalit groom riding horseback during his wedding procession on April 7, leading to tensions between the groups. Wedding & FIR The police intervened with 300 personnel to ensure the wedding ceremony was completed safely. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against eight people who tried to stop the procession. Village turns police fortress Police deployment: 120 policemen including female officers Officers equipped with anti-riot gear Special tear gas team stationed Surveillance: 5 permanent checkpoints established 12 special CCTV cameras installed Officers with 5 body cameras deployed Control room set up for monitoring Social media monitoring: 24x7 surveillance Strict action against caste-based comments Warning against spreading rumours
