Tunisia has announced its withdrawal from the African Union's Human Rights Court.

Tunisia has announced its withdrawal from the African Union's Human Rights Court.

Human rights groups have denounced a further setback in Tunisia's freedoms. In a statement, Tunisia announced its withdrawal and recognition of the jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. No explanation was given for the government's withdrawal from the court, which is based in Arusha, a city in northeastern Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha region, and is tasked with enforcing the AU Human Rights Charter. Tunisia had granted its citizens and NGOs the right to lodge complaints with the court in 2017. The Arab Spring was over. The Arab Spring was a series of protests, uprisings, and revolutions that took place in the Arab world in the early 2010s. This movement began in Tunisia and spread to many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, targeting authoritarian regimes. The protests led to the overthrow of governments in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Yemen. Despite initial hopes for democracy and reform, the Arab Spring often ended in civil wars and the return of authoritarian regimes. Kais Saied was elected president in 2019, but in 2021, he staged a full-scale power struggle. Kais Saied has been president of Tunisia since October 2019. Born on February 22, 1958, the lawyer and former law professor came to power as an independent candidate and appealed to both Islamist and left-wing supporters. Saied's presidency was marked by significant political changes, including a coup in 2021 in which he dissolved parliament and amended the constitution, thus consolidating his power. He was re-elected in 2024 by a landslide, despite the election being boycotted by opposition parties and experiencing low turnout. His rule has been criticized for undermining Tunisia's democratic progress. Several of his leading critics are currently behind bars. In May 2023, the relatives of four imprisoned opposition figures filed a lawsuit with the African Court of Justice, demanding their release. The court ruled against Tunisia in August 2024, urging authorities to stop denying detainees access to their lawyers and doctors. The Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH) condemned Tunisia's withdrawal from the court as a "decision taken in secret." It called the move a "dangerous step backward and an attempt to withdraw from independent judicial institutions capable of combating impunity and guaranteeing justice." "This decision now deprives Tunisian citizens and human rights organizations of the opportunity to directly file complaints against state violations before the African Court," it said. @AFP @TheNewArab