Families of jailed Tunisian pro-migrant activists have urged their release, claiming the detainees were engaged in humanitarian work, not political activism. The government’s crackdown on activists follows President Kais Saied’s controversial statements regarding migrants, which have been deemed racist. Activists in custody face health crises and lack necessary medical care, raising alarms among their families and advocates about their treatment and the indifference of international organizations.
The families of pro-migrant and anti-racism activists in Tunisia, who have been detained since May, have publicly appealed for their release. Romdhane Ben Amor, head of the NGO FTDES, emphasized that the ten detainees were involved in humanitarian efforts rather than political advocacy, contending that their actions had been wrongfully criminalized by authorities to undermine migrants and compel them to accept ‘voluntary returns’ facilitated by the UN’s Migration Organization.
Tunisia remains a significant transit point for African migrants aiming to reach Europe for better economic prospects. In a recent statement, Tunisian President Kais Saied criticized what he referred to as “hordes of sub-Saharan migrants” that he claimed posed a threat to the demographic makeup of the nation, which led to increased repression and the detainment of activists.
Emna Riahi, the mother of Sherifa Riahi, advocated for the release of her daughter, the former head of Terre d’Asile Tunisie, emphasizing that charges against her for money laundering and terrorism should be dropped. Additionally, daughters Yusra and Emna Djemali spoke out regarding their father, Mustapha Djemali, an 80-year-old humanitarian leader, who has suffered significant health decline in custody, losing over 35 kilograms and lacking necessary medication for several months.
Ben Amor expressed concern that the imprisonment of these activists serves to validate the president’s racist claims about migrants, condemning the inaction of the European Union and other international organizations regarding these events.
In summary, the families of detained Tunisian activists are calling for their release, highlighting the humanitarian nature of their work. The situation reflects broader concerns about the treatment of migrants in Tunisia amid increasing political rhetoric against them. The health and well-being of those detained are at significant risk, and there is a plea for international support to address this injustice.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
