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New Tunisian repression and European silence.
This is the extent of Tunisia's repressive state: Its redundant and unnecessary repression, but still merciless. Due to the relative prosperous nature of Tunisia and the political stability of the country, dissent in Tunisia is a mild affair. The regime could easily tolerate them and showcase them to Western human rights officials as token opposition. Props to be used to falsely present an image of democracy and pluralism in the nation.
Instead, they are ruthless in suppressing dissent to their great image loss.
The Tunisian rubber-stamp parliament has just passed a new law which will allow for prosecution against anyone seen as inciting against foreign investment in the country on the grounds of “economic security.” The regime claims that this is not politically motivated and has nothing to do with the question of democracy at home, but just an act to protecting Tunisia’s economic interests.
The Tunisian government wants to undercut its opposition so it has now criminalized the freedom to speak abroad and ask Western governments to use their leverage to push for liberalization.
This law appears to be a direct response to meetings held in May by Tunisian human rights activists with EU parliamentarians and officials, in Madrid and Brussels.
During the meetings, the Tunisian activists urged them to pressure the government to uphold its international human rights obligations.
Europe, which is the focus of the legislation, has egergiously remained silent as this new repression:
Five leading human rights groups on Friday called on European governments to speak out after Tunisia adopted a law they claim is designed to silence government critics.
"It is unacceptable that Europe once again remains passive in the face of this scandalous law," said Souhayr Belhassen, president of the International Federation of Human Rights.
