xxxxxxxxxx | REPRESENTATIVE OF SECRETARY-GENERAL ON HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS EXPRESSES PROFOUND CONCERN OVER REPORTS ABOUT TUNISIAN HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER HUNGER STRIKE | xxxxxxxxxx |
26 November 2003 The Special Representative on Human Rights Defenders, Mrs. Hina Jilani, is deeply concerned over the situation of Tunisian human rights defender, Radhia Nasraoui, lawyer and prominent member of the Tunisian bar and president of the Association de Lutte contre la Torture (ALCT), who is on hunger strike since 15 October 2003 to protest against constant harassment by the authorities. The Special Representative has received allegations of surveillance and harassment, including physical assaults, against Radhia Nasraoui in reprisal for her work as a human rights defender. She has also been informed of pressure exerted on Radhia Nasraoui’s clients, including those incarcerated, to coerce them into changing their legal representation. Radhia Nasraoui, who is on her 43rd day of hunger strike, has started suffering serious health consequences and concerns have been expressed that her physical integrity is at risk. |