Voices are rising in Tunisia to alert a series of deaths that occurred recently in prison, in a context where several civil society organizations express their concerns about the conditions of detention.
It is the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LTDH) which published a press release this Tuesday To alert against these alleged cases of ill -treatment and negligence.
According to this NGO, some testimonies collected evoke a degradation of conditions in certain prisons and rehabilitation centers for minors, in particular in terms of access to health care.
It underlines the importance of guaranteeing the dignity and physical security of prisoners, in accordance with the Tunisian Constitution and the international commitments of Tunisia in terms of human rights.
In its communication, the LTDH reaffirms its solidarity with the families of the prisoners concerned and calls for serious and impartial surveys when death or abusive treatment is reported. It also insists on the need to ensure compliance with legal procedures for preventive detention, and encourages the use of alternative sentences to combat prison overcrowding.
While recognizing the efforts made by certain penitentiary structures, the LTDH reminds the authorities their duty of vigilance and transparency. They call for a constructive dialogue to improve the situation in prisons, while respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.
