/ / TUNISIA: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AT RISK OF RE-ARREST

TUNISIA: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER AT RISK OF RE-ARREST

UA: Third 76.24

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Prominent Tunisian human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine is facing seven criminal cases; all related to her legitimate work as former president of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD). She was arbitrarily detained from August 1, 2024 until February 19, 2025, when the Tunis Court of Appeal ordered her release on bail pending trial. On June 26, 2026, a Tunis court sentenced her to a combined 25 years in prison in two of these cases, following proceedings marred by fair-trial violations. Sihem Bensedrine is at risk of re-arrest and imprisonment following her latest convictions. She remains at liberty pending appeal but continues to face five separate cases and a travel ban.

Tunisian authorities must quash her convictions and drop all charges relating to her legitimate human rights work.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 25, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Tunisian authorities
Send an email to the Tunisian authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by March 25, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Your Excellency,

I am concerned about the targeted unfounded criminal prosecution of prominent human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine, who is facing seven criminal cases, all related to her legitimate and legally mandated work as president of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission between 2014 and 2018.

On June 26, 2026, the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced Sihem Bensedrine to a combined 25 years in prison in two separate cases. The charges concern the content of the Commission’s final report, particularly its findings relating to corruption in the banking sector. She has appealed the convictions and remains at liberty pending appeal. The proceedings were marred by serious fair-trial violations. Sihem Bensedrine and her lawyers had not received a copy of the indictment decision when her trial began. Sihem Bensedrine faces five additional criminal cases. All are connected to her work as president of the Truth and Dignity Commission. She has also been subjected to a travel ban since 2023 and was arbitrarily detained for over six months.

I urge you to ensure that Sihem Bensedrine’s convictions are quashed and that all charges and proceedings arising solely from her legitimate work with the Truth and Dignity Commission are dropped. I call on you to immediately lift the arbitrary travel ban imposed on her. Pending the quashing of her convictions, her appeal proceedings must fully comply with international fair-trial standards, including by granting her defense with full and timely access to the case file and ensuring that all hearings are public.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

Human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine shouldn’t be punished for seeking truth & accountability. @TnPresidency, quash her convictions, drop all charges linked to her work with the Truth and Dignity Commission, lift her travel ban and ensure a fair appeal #UrgentActionNetworkAIUSA

Send a Tweet to @TnPresidency

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

President of the Republic Kais Saied

Route de la Goulette;

Site archéologique de Carthage, Tunisie

[email protected] @TnPresidency

and

CC: Tunisian Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Hanene Al-Tajouri Bessassi

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

1515 Massachusetts Avenue, NW,

Washington DC 20005

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Other Urgent Actions for this Case

First UA Issued: [Tunisia 76.24]
Second UA Issued: [Tunisia 76.24]

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