The Tunis Regional Bar Association has decided to create a special commission to follow the case of Ayachi Hammami, arrested in connection with the “plot against state security” case.
A series of professional measures, including a partial boycott of courts, was announced after an extraordinary meeting.
Commission dedicated to monitoring the Hammami file
The council of the Tunis Regional Bar Association has formalized the establishment of an ad hoc structure responsible for supervising all aspects of Ayachi Hammami’s case: procedural developments, judicial treatment, public communication and state of health of the lawyer, currently on hunger strike since his arrest on Tuesday.
This commission aims to ensure continuous and coordinated monitoring of the case, considered by the profession to be particularly sensitive in view of the heavy sentences handed down recently in the same case.
Targeted boycott of criminal chambers during December
During this exceptional meeting, the lawyers adopted a major protest measure: the boycott, throughout the month of December, of several criminal chambers of first instance and appeal.
The council affirms that these courts recorded “procedural violations” affecting the guarantees of the defense. The boycott will start on Monday, with a first phase likely to be extended until a “permanent” suspension.
General assembly and national coordination
The council called on all lawyers in Tunis to meet on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Lawyer’s House. The objective: to expose the latest developments in the Hammami case, discuss professional issues and decide on the line of action for the coming weeks.
At the same time, the Regional Order contacted the President of the National Order of Lawyers to request the organization of a national conference aimed at harmonizing positions in the face of recent legal developments.
Reminder of arrest and convictions
Ayachi Hammami was arrested after being reported as being wanted, in execution of a final judgment linked to the “plot against state security” case.
Last Friday, the Court of Appeal handed down sentences ranging from 10 to 45 years for the detained defendants and from 5 to 35 years for those left at large, in a procedure which since February 2023 has involved political figures, lawyers, ex-officials and security agents.
Hammami receives a five-year prison sentence with two years of administrative supervision.
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