Table Of ContentsNext Page
March 2000
 Vol. 12, No.1 (E)

 

THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN TUNISIA:

TORTURE, TRUMPED-UP CHARGES AND A TAINTED TRIAL




I. SUMMARY

II. RECOMMENDATIONS

III. INTRODUCTION

IV. PRETRIAL PROCEDURE AND CONCERNS
Torture and Ill-treatment
Harassment of Human Rights Defenders
Limitations on Freedom of Expression, Association, and Assembly
The Judiciary's Lack of Independence and Denial of the Right to a Fair Trial

V. THE FINDINGS OF THE INVESTIGATING JUDGE

VI. THE TRIAL AT FIRST INSTANCE
Environment and Response to Presence of Observers
Hearing of May 15, 1999
Hearing of June 19, 1999
Hearing of July 10, 1999
Challenges to the Recorded Dates of Arrest
Repudiation of the Contents of the Statements to Police
The Detention and Interrogation of Hamma Hammami's Relatives
Denial of the Substance of the Charges
Verdict and Sentence

VII. THE APPEAL
Introduction
Hearing of August 6, 1999

ABOUT THIS REPORT

APPENDIX A
Charges, Dates of Arrest, Maximum Possible Sentences, and Actual Sentences
Codes for charges

APPENDIX B
Excerpts from the Verdict in case 21018/099/6

APPENDIX C
Highlights of New Tunisian Laws Protecting the Rights of Persons in Detention
Law No 89/1999 of August 2, 1999 amending provisions of the code of criminal procedure
Article 101bis
Law No 90/1999 of August 2, 1999 amending provisions of the code of criminal procedure
Chapter One
Article 13bis
Article 57 (new second paragraph)

Table Of ContentsNext Page