Human rights organization Amnesty International has denounced the conviction of prominent Tunisian activist Chaima Issa by a military court for criticizing the military’s role in the 2022 legislative elections. Issa was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison sentence, despite the fact that her comments were protected under Tunisia’s constitution.

“Chaima Issa should never have been charged in the first place,” said Fida Hammami, Amnesty International’s Tunisia Research and Advocacy Advisor. “She was simply peacefully exercising her right to freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right enshrined in the Tunisian constitution.”

The conviction of Issa is part of a broader pattern of repression against dissent in Tunisia under the leadership of President Kais Saied. Since Saied seized power in July 2021, the Tunisian authorities have increasingly used military courts to prosecute civilians, a practice that is prohibited under international law.

“The Tunisian authorities must immediately quash this outrageous conviction and release her from all restrictions,” said Hammami.” The fact that Chaima Issa was tried by a military court only adds to the grave injustices she is facing since civilians should never be tried before military courts under international human rights law.  Over recent years, under President Kais Saied’s leadership, the Tunisian authorities have increasingly resorted to military trials as a means to prosecute critics and opponents.

Amnesty International is calling on the Tunisian authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and protect the rights of all Tunisians, including those who express dissenting views.