Tunisia: Human Rights Defender Under Investigation

Derechos Human Rights
http//www.derechos.org/
hr@derechos.org

3 June 1999

URGENT ACTION

TunisiaHuman Rights Defender Under Investigation

Derechos Human Rights is deeply worried about the alleged criminal
charges against Omer Al Mistiri, General Secretary of the National
Council for Freedom in Tunisia.

According to the Arab Program For Human Rights Activists, Mr. Al Mistiri
is being investigated by an Instructing Charge on charges of belonging to
an illicit association, criticizing the Tunisian Regime, and being
responsible
for acts that have lead to the instability of the Tunisian Government.
Such
crimes merit punishments of up to 16 years in prison.

While Tunisia has signed and ratified the International Convention 
on Civil and Political Rights, Human Rights Defenders are commonly 
harassed and arrested for their pro-human rights and pro-democracy
activities.   

ACTION REQUESTED

Please write to the authorities below requesting that

-Charges against Mr. Al Mistiri be dismissed, and the government
cease all harassment against him and the National Council for
Freedom

-The Tunisian government comply with the International Convention
on Civil and Political Rights, and respect the right of free speech
and association.

-All harassment against human rights activists cease.


Write to his excellency  
Mr.President Zein Al Abdeen Bin Ali 
Tunisia - Qurtag / Presidency Palace 
Fax  00 21617 42 51 3 
       00 21617 44 72 1 
       00 21617 31 00 6 

The Human Rights Action Network, a project of Derechos Human Rights, distributes appeals on behalf of victims of human rights violations. You are invited to join the network. Please check the date of the present action and do not write if it's over a month old.