| TUNISIA Tunisian Republic Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah Joined United Nations: 12 November 1956 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 11/03/09 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Tunis
10,486,339 (July 2009 est.)
Zine el Abidine Ben Ali
President since 7 November 1987
President since 7 November 1987
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term
limits); election last held 25 October 2009
Next scheduled election: October 2014
limits); election last held 25 October 2009
Next scheduled election: October 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Mohamed Ghannouchi
Prime Minister since 17 November 1999
Prime Minister since 17 November 1999
Prime minister appointed by the president
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic comprised of 24 governorates; Legal system is based on French civil law system and Shari'a law; some
judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 25 October 2009 (next to
be held October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (189 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Advisors (126 seats; 85 members elected by municipal
counselors, deputies, mayors, and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are presidential appointees;
members serve six-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held 25 October 2009 (next to be held October 2014); Chamber of Advisors -
last held 3 July 2005 (next to be held July 2011)
Judicial: Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation
judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 25 October 2009 (next to
be held October 2014); prime minister appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral system consists of the Chamber of Deputies or Majlis al-Nuwaab (189 seats; members elected
by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Advisors (126 seats; 85 members elected by municipal
counselors, deputies, mayors, and professional associations and trade unions; 41 members are presidential appointees;
members serve six-year terms)
elections: Chamber of Deputies - last held 25 October 2009 (next to be held October 2014); Chamber of Advisors -
last held 3 July 2005 (next to be held July 2011)
Judicial: Court of Cassation or Cour de Cassation
| LANGUAGES |
Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Governmental
control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization,
simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise
living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over the past decade,
declined to 4.7% in 2008 and probably will decline further in 2009 because of economic contraction and slowing of
import demand in Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of non-textile manufacturing, a
recovery in agricultural production, and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the economic effect of
slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities for
an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing population of university graduates. The challenges ahead
include: privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase foreign investment, improving government
efficiency, reducing the trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the impoverished south and west.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Tunisia)
control of economic affairs while still heavy has gradually lessened over the past decade with increasing privatization,
simplification of the tax structure, and a prudent approach to debt. Progressive social policies also have helped raise
living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth, which averaged almost 5% over the past decade,
declined to 4.7% in 2008 and probably will decline further in 2009 because of economic contraction and slowing of
import demand in Europe - Tunisia's largest export market. However, development of non-textile manufacturing, a
recovery in agricultural production, and strong growth in the services sector somewhat mitigated the economic effect of
slowing exports. Tunisia will need to reach even higher growth levels to create sufficient employment opportunities for
an already large number of unemployed as well as the growing population of university graduates. The challenges ahead
include: privatizing industry, liberalizing the investment code to increase foreign investment, improving government
efficiency, reducing the trade deficit, and reducing socioeconomic disparities in the impoverished south and west.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Tunisia)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Tunisia is noteworthy for its lack of public political discourse. The precise political situation in Tunisia is hard to
determine, due to the effective level of silence the government has enforced and the lack of transparency. There is
strong evidence that dissidents are routinely arrested, for crimes as minor as looking at banned web sites. The growth
of the Internet has been a major issue for Tunisia, with European tourists and internet service providers so close by.
Tunisia allows only censored Internet access in its own country. This censorship bars all materials deemed
pornographic, political opposition including many French online papers, and any chat group references critical of the
government. It seems unlikely that the oppression brought to bear is restricted only to the Internet. Tunisia has no free
press and Tunisians are almost never willing to speak about politics. The Internet has only made public the pervasive
structure of state control which has managed to shroud itself in a western friendly face, welcoming masses of tourists
who can even enjoy topless beaches. As for the underground opposition from Islamic Fundamentalists, these groups
have an obvious but not clear existence in the nation. Under former Habib Bourguiba Islamic Fundamentalists were
allowed to serve as a counter to more left wing movements. In 1987 the threat from Movement of the Islamic
Tendency gave the pretext for current president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to take power in a bloodless coup. Ben Ali
has followed an aggressive policy regarding the Fundamentalists but the extent of any government success is difficult to
judge in a nation where so much is secret. Because of a widespread program of interrogation and suppression the
Islamic Fundamentalist movements have gone underground, but not vanished. As with almost all Islamic nations the US
invasion of Iraq has greatly increased the prestige and public support for these groups, though the extent of these
feelings are impossible to determine accurately. While the threat of Islamic Terror exists in Tunisia, and as long as
President Ben Ali uses any means to fight it, there is little chance that pressure for genuine democracy and reform will
come from the west.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Tunisia
determine, due to the effective level of silence the government has enforced and the lack of transparency. There is
strong evidence that dissidents are routinely arrested, for crimes as minor as looking at banned web sites. The growth
of the Internet has been a major issue for Tunisia, with European tourists and internet service providers so close by.
Tunisia allows only censored Internet access in its own country. This censorship bars all materials deemed
pornographic, political opposition including many French online papers, and any chat group references critical of the
government. It seems unlikely that the oppression brought to bear is restricted only to the Internet. Tunisia has no free
press and Tunisians are almost never willing to speak about politics. The Internet has only made public the pervasive
structure of state control which has managed to shroud itself in a western friendly face, welcoming masses of tourists
who can even enjoy topless beaches. As for the underground opposition from Islamic Fundamentalists, these groups
have an obvious but not clear existence in the nation. Under former Habib Bourguiba Islamic Fundamentalists were
allowed to serve as a counter to more left wing movements. In 1987 the threat from Movement of the Islamic
Tendency gave the pretext for current president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali to take power in a bloodless coup. Ben Ali
has followed an aggressive policy regarding the Fundamentalists but the extent of any government success is difficult to
judge in a nation where so much is secret. Because of a widespread program of interrogation and suppression the
Islamic Fundamentalist movements have gone underground, but not vanished. As with almost all Islamic nations the US
invasion of Iraq has greatly increased the prestige and public support for these groups, though the extent of these
feelings are impossible to determine accurately. While the threat of Islamic Terror exists in Tunisia, and as long as
President Ben Ali uses any means to fight it, there is little chance that pressure for genuine democracy and reform will
come from the west.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Tunisia
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
None reported.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2008 Human Rights Practices: Tunisia
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Tunisia is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 10 million, dominated by a single political party, the
Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD). Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has been the president since 1987. The international community
generally did not consider the 2004 presidential election to be free and fair. President Ben Ali ran against three opposition candidates
and was declared the winner with approximately 94 percent of the popular vote. In concurrent elections for the Chamber of
Deputies, the RCD won 152 of the 189 seats. During the year the indirect elections for some members of the Chamber of
Advisors, the upper house of parliament, resulted in a heavily pro-RCD body. The civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces.
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2008 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
February 25, 2009
Tunisia is a constitutional republic with a population of approximately 10 million, dominated by a single political party, the
Democratic Constitutional Rally (RCD). Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has been the president since 1987. The international community
generally did not consider the 2004 presidential election to be free and fair. President Ben Ali ran against three opposition candidates
and was declared the winner with approximately 94 percent of the popular vote. In concurrent elections for the Chamber of
Deputies, the RCD won 152 of the 189 seats. During the year the indirect elections for some members of the Chamber of
Advisors, the upper house of parliament, resulted in a heavily pro-RCD body. The civilian authorities generally maintained effective
control of the security forces.
- There were significant limitations on citizens' right to change their government.
- Local and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) reported that security forces tortured and physically abused
prisoners and detainees and arbitrarily arrested and detained individuals. - Security forces acted with impunity sanctioned by high-ranking officials.
- There were also reports of lengthy pretrial and incommunicado detention.
- The government infringed on citizens' privacy rights and continued to impose severe restrictions on freedoms of speech,
press, assembly, and association. - The government remained intolerant of public criticism, and there were widespread reports that it used intimidation, criminal
investigations, the judicial system, arbitrary arrests, residential restrictions, and travel controls to discourage criticism by
human rights and opposition activists. - Media freedom was severely restricted during the year and corruption was a problem.
23 April 2008
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-second session
New York, 17 March-4 April 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE
COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
TUNISIA
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes with satisfaction the submission of the fifth periodic report of Tunisia and the opportunity it presents
to resume the dialogue with the State party after more than 13 years. It also welcomes the participation during the consideration of
the report of a high-level and competent delegation. It is grateful to the State party for the written replies
(CCPR/C/TUN/Q/5/Add.1) and additional explanations provided in advance and during the consideration of the report, even though
some of the responses were incomplete.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the progress made in law and in fact concerning the application of article 3 of the Covenant. It notes
with interest the examples of jurisprudence of national jurisdictions having to do with child custody, transmission of nationality and
inheritance rights, in particular with regard to the transmission of nationality by Tunisian women and rules of succession.
C. Concerns and recommendations
8. The Committee regrets the fact that the State party has still not established a national institution with competence in the area of
human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles, even though the delegation indicated that bringing the High Committee on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms into conformity with the Paris Principles was currently the subject of a bill before
Parliament following a recent decision by the Council of Ministers in that regard (article 2 of the Covenant).
The State party should take the necessary steps to ensure that the High Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
functions in conformity with the Paris Principles.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-second session
New York, 17 March-4 April 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE
COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
TUNISIA
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes with satisfaction the submission of the fifth periodic report of Tunisia and the opportunity it presents
to resume the dialogue with the State party after more than 13 years. It also welcomes the participation during the consideration of
the report of a high-level and competent delegation. It is grateful to the State party for the written replies
(CCPR/C/TUN/Q/5/Add.1) and additional explanations provided in advance and during the consideration of the report, even though
some of the responses were incomplete.
B. Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the progress made in law and in fact concerning the application of article 3 of the Covenant. It notes
with interest the examples of jurisprudence of national jurisdictions having to do with child custody, transmission of nationality and
inheritance rights, in particular with regard to the transmission of nationality by Tunisian women and rules of succession.
C. Concerns and recommendations
8. The Committee regrets the fact that the State party has still not established a national institution with competence in the area of
human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles, even though the delegation indicated that bringing the High Committee on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms into conformity with the Paris Principles was currently the subject of a bill before
Parliament following a recent decision by the Council of Ministers in that regard (article 2 of the Covenant).
The State party should take the necessary steps to ensure that the High Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
functions in conformity with the Paris Principles.
Click here to read more »
FREEDOM IN THE WORLD REPORT- 2008
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Ratings Change
Tunisia’s political rights rating declined from 6 to 7 due to credible accusations of rampant corruption among the
president’s family and close associates.
Overview
Early in 2007, security forces clashed with what the government described as an armed Islamist insurgency. While the authorities
continued to take small steps like releasing certain political prisoners during the year, they also maintained the practice of harassing
and jailing government opponents.
Some political prisoners have been freed in recent years, and Ben Ali has publicly stated that the press and opposition should feel
free to promote their ideas. However, the president’s critics still face beatings and incarceration, and even political activists who are
released from jail often have their movements monitored and restricted.
Tunisian authorities have been able to react with indifference to the complaints of local and international human rights groups
largely because they are not backed by diplomatic pressure. Tunisia has not faced the kind of intense criticism from the United
States or European Union (EU) that is applied to other Arab states. The public statements that have been issued are not bolstered by
threats to reduce diplomatic or economic ties. Tunisia is seen as a moderate Muslim ally in the fight against Islamic extremism, and
U.S. and European officials are wary of alienating Ben Ali.
Tunisia is not an electoral democracy. President Zine el-Abedine Ben Ali has exercised authoritarian rule since he ousted former
president Habib Bourguiba in a 1987 coup. Beginning in 1989, he won four successive five-year terms in tightly controlled
elections, either running unopposed or easily defeating token challengers. A 2002 referendum removed the constitution’s three-term
limit for presidents, allowing Ben Ali to secure reelection in 2004 with over 95 percent of the vote, amid opposition boycotts and
claims of fraud. The president appoints the cabinet, the prime minister, and regional governors. The bicameral legislature,
composed of a 189-seat Chamber of Deputies with five-year terms and a Chamber of Advisors with 126 members appointed or
indirectly elected to six-year terms, is a rubber-stamp institution dominated by Ben Ali’s Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD)
party. The RCD currently holds 152 of the lower house’s 189 seats, and parliamentary elections are neither free nor fair.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 7
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Not Free
Ratings Change
Tunisia’s political rights rating declined from 6 to 7 due to credible accusations of rampant corruption among the
president’s family and close associates.
Overview
Early in 2007, security forces clashed with what the government described as an armed Islamist insurgency. While the authorities
continued to take small steps like releasing certain political prisoners during the year, they also maintained the practice of harassing
and jailing government opponents.
Some political prisoners have been freed in recent years, and Ben Ali has publicly stated that the press and opposition should feel
free to promote their ideas. However, the president’s critics still face beatings and incarceration, and even political activists who are
released from jail often have their movements monitored and restricted.
Tunisian authorities have been able to react with indifference to the complaints of local and international human rights groups
largely because they are not backed by diplomatic pressure. Tunisia has not faced the kind of intense criticism from the United
States or European Union (EU) that is applied to other Arab states. The public statements that have been issued are not bolstered by
threats to reduce diplomatic or economic ties. Tunisia is seen as a moderate Muslim ally in the fight against Islamic extremism, and
U.S. and European officials are wary of alienating Ben Ali.
Tunisia is not an electoral democracy. President Zine el-Abedine Ben Ali has exercised authoritarian rule since he ousted former
president Habib Bourguiba in a 1987 coup. Beginning in 1989, he won four successive five-year terms in tightly controlled
elections, either running unopposed or easily defeating token challengers. A 2002 referendum removed the constitution’s three-term
limit for presidents, allowing Ben Ali to secure reelection in 2004 with over 95 percent of the vote, amid opposition boycotts and
claims of fraud. The president appoints the cabinet, the prime minister, and regional governors. The bicameral legislature,
composed of a 189-seat Chamber of Deputies with five-year terms and a Chamber of Advisors with 126 members appointed or
indirectly elected to six-year terms, is a rubber-stamp institution dominated by Ben Ali’s Constitutional Democratic Rally (RCD)
party. The RCD currently holds 152 of the lower house’s 189 seats, and parliamentary elections are neither free nor fair.
Click here to read more »
Tunisia: Assaults on journalists must be punished
30 October 2009
The assault of two independent journalists in Tunisia and the arrest of a third in the wake of last week’s elections must be
punished, Amnesty International said today.
“It appears that these three journalists were targeted because they have criticized the government and opposed the re-election, for a
fifth term, of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and
North Africa Programme. “This is an extremely worrying development, indicating that there is likely to be no let-up in the Tunisian
government’s repression of dissent.” Slim Boukhdhir, an independent journalist who has previously been jailed for writing articles
critical of the government, was stopped in the street and forced into a car last Wednesday evening by five men in plain clothes, all
believed to be police or security officials. They forced him to close his eyes, beat and insulted him as they drove away, then
stopped the car, threw him out and kicked and punched him until he lost consciousness. Before he did so, one of the assailants
brandished a knife and threatened to stab him. He was stripped of his clothes and his mobile phone, identity documents, money and
house keys were taken, apparently to give the impression that he was the victim of an ordinary criminal mugging, and he was
dumped in Belvédère Park in north Tunis. A passer-by helped him to get a taxi and a friend then took him to hospital where he
learnt that he had sustained a broken nose and damage to his left eye, in addition to multiple bruising to his face and chest pain.
Two hours before his abduction and assault, Slim Boukhdhir had given an interview to the BBC in which he criticized the lack of
press freedom in Tunisia. On Thursday, another journalist and well-known government critic, Taoufik Ben Brik was arrested when
he went to a police station in response to a summons he had received in connection with an alleged assault on a woman near his
daughter’s school on 22 October. He appeared before an investigating judge in the absence of his lawyers and charged with
“assault, breaching pubic morality and damage to property” according to an official statement. He is currently being detained in
Mornaguia Prison and is due to stand trial on 19 November. Before the election, he wrote several articles criticizing President Ben
Ali’s government. Later on Thursday, Lotfi Hajji, local correspondent for the Al Jazeera satellite TV channel, was subjected to a
sustained verbal assault when he arrived at Tunis Carthage Airport after returning on a flight from Qatar.
His unknown assailant, who is suspected of being a member of the security forces or someone acting on their behalf, shouted and
insulted him in a highly intimidating manner, accusing him of opposing the government. In his reporting for Al Jazeera, Lotfi Hajji,
had criticized aspects of the recent presidential and legislative elections. The targeting of these journalists, all known critics of the
Ben Ali’s government, reflects a wider and long standing pattern in which critics of the government, and human rights activists, are
routinely subjected to oppressive police surveillance, threats and intimidation by security officials or people in plain clothes believed
to be acting on their behalf. “It is high time that the Tunisian government put its house in order and lived up to its obligations under
international human rights law,” said Malcolm Smart. “The government portrays itself internationally as one committed to human
rights and good governance but this, sadly, is far from the truth. In practice, the government is intolerant of criticism and allows its
security forces and strong arm men to assault and intimidate critics with impunity.”
Click here to read more »
30 October 2009
The assault of two independent journalists in Tunisia and the arrest of a third in the wake of last week’s elections must be
punished, Amnesty International said today.
“It appears that these three journalists were targeted because they have criticized the government and opposed the re-election, for a
fifth term, of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali,” said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s Director for the Middle East and
North Africa Programme. “This is an extremely worrying development, indicating that there is likely to be no let-up in the Tunisian
government’s repression of dissent.” Slim Boukhdhir, an independent journalist who has previously been jailed for writing articles
critical of the government, was stopped in the street and forced into a car last Wednesday evening by five men in plain clothes, all
believed to be police or security officials. They forced him to close his eyes, beat and insulted him as they drove away, then
stopped the car, threw him out and kicked and punched him until he lost consciousness. Before he did so, one of the assailants
brandished a knife and threatened to stab him. He was stripped of his clothes and his mobile phone, identity documents, money and
house keys were taken, apparently to give the impression that he was the victim of an ordinary criminal mugging, and he was
dumped in Belvédère Park in north Tunis. A passer-by helped him to get a taxi and a friend then took him to hospital where he
learnt that he had sustained a broken nose and damage to his left eye, in addition to multiple bruising to his face and chest pain.
Two hours before his abduction and assault, Slim Boukhdhir had given an interview to the BBC in which he criticized the lack of
press freedom in Tunisia. On Thursday, another journalist and well-known government critic, Taoufik Ben Brik was arrested when
he went to a police station in response to a summons he had received in connection with an alleged assault on a woman near his
daughter’s school on 22 October. He appeared before an investigating judge in the absence of his lawyers and charged with
“assault, breaching pubic morality and damage to property” according to an official statement. He is currently being detained in
Mornaguia Prison and is due to stand trial on 19 November. Before the election, he wrote several articles criticizing President Ben
Ali’s government. Later on Thursday, Lotfi Hajji, local correspondent for the Al Jazeera satellite TV channel, was subjected to a
sustained verbal assault when he arrived at Tunis Carthage Airport after returning on a flight from Qatar.
His unknown assailant, who is suspected of being a member of the security forces or someone acting on their behalf, shouted and
insulted him in a highly intimidating manner, accusing him of opposing the government. In his reporting for Al Jazeera, Lotfi Hajji,
had criticized aspects of the recent presidential and legislative elections. The targeting of these journalists, all known critics of the
Ben Ali’s government, reflects a wider and long standing pattern in which critics of the government, and human rights activists, are
routinely subjected to oppressive police surveillance, threats and intimidation by security officials or people in plain clothes believed
to be acting on their behalf. “It is high time that the Tunisian government put its house in order and lived up to its obligations under
international human rights law,” said Malcolm Smart. “The government portrays itself internationally as one committed to human
rights and good governance but this, sadly, is far from the truth. In practice, the government is intolerant of criticism and allows its
security forces and strong arm men to assault and intimidate critics with impunity.”
Click here to read more »
Tunisia: Honor Pledge on Prison Access
Human Rights Watch Rejects Conditions That Would Limit Prisoner Interviews
April 16, 2009
(Geneva) - Tunisia should honor its pledge to grant Human Rights Watch access to its prisons, Human Rights Watch said today.
In an open letter sent today to members of the UN Human Rights Committee and to member nations of the UN Human Rights
Council, Human Rights Watch said that although Tunisia had announced before these bodies a year ago that the organization would
be able to visit its prisons, it was obstructing the visits by setting unacceptable conditions. As a result, negotiations between
Tunisia's Justice Ministry and Human Rights Watch over the terms of the visits have stagnated.
"Tunisia's promise to open its prisons to independent human rights organizations is significant, but in the end will be meaningless if
Tunisia will not allow outsiders to see and report on what is really happening inside," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and
North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
Among the conditions Tunisia is insisting on is that Human Rights Watch be allowed to speak only to a sample of prisoners who
respond to a general invitation to be interviewed. Human Rights Watch accepts "sampling" as one method of selecting prisoners to
interview, but also insists on the right to request visits with specific prisoners it selects on the basis of its ongoing, external
monitoring of prison conditions.
Human Rights Watch said in its letter that only a mixed methodology - using both "sampling" and lists of names - "would ensure
that the delegation can access a broad range of prisoners ... investigate cases where there have been allegations of abuse, and reach
specific prisoners whom the administration may have transferred before the delegation's arrival."
Tunisian authorities first promised Human Rights Watch access to its prisons on April 19, 2005, but then put off providing that
access on the grounds that it would first allow the International Committee of the Red Cross into the prisons. The ICRC has been
visiting Tunisian prisons since 2005 but, unlike Human Rights Watch, reports its findings privately to the government rather than
publishing them. No independent human rights organization that makes its findings public has been allowed to set foot in Tunisian
prisons since 1991, when the Tunisian League for Human Rights visited two facilities.
Click here to read more »
Human Rights Watch Rejects Conditions That Would Limit Prisoner Interviews
April 16, 2009
(Geneva) - Tunisia should honor its pledge to grant Human Rights Watch access to its prisons, Human Rights Watch said today.
In an open letter sent today to members of the UN Human Rights Committee and to member nations of the UN Human Rights
Council, Human Rights Watch said that although Tunisia had announced before these bodies a year ago that the organization would
be able to visit its prisons, it was obstructing the visits by setting unacceptable conditions. As a result, negotiations between
Tunisia's Justice Ministry and Human Rights Watch over the terms of the visits have stagnated.
"Tunisia's promise to open its prisons to independent human rights organizations is significant, but in the end will be meaningless if
Tunisia will not allow outsiders to see and report on what is really happening inside," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and
North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
Among the conditions Tunisia is insisting on is that Human Rights Watch be allowed to speak only to a sample of prisoners who
respond to a general invitation to be interviewed. Human Rights Watch accepts "sampling" as one method of selecting prisoners to
interview, but also insists on the right to request visits with specific prisoners it selects on the basis of its ongoing, external
monitoring of prison conditions.
Human Rights Watch said in its letter that only a mixed methodology - using both "sampling" and lists of names - "would ensure
that the delegation can access a broad range of prisoners ... investigate cases where there have been allegations of abuse, and reach
specific prisoners whom the administration may have transferred before the delegation's arrival."
Tunisian authorities first promised Human Rights Watch access to its prisons on April 19, 2005, but then put off providing that
access on the grounds that it would first allow the International Committee of the Red Cross into the prisons. The ICRC has been
visiting Tunisian prisons since 2005 but, unlike Human Rights Watch, reports its findings privately to the government rather than
publishing them. No independent human rights organization that makes its findings public has been allowed to set foot in Tunisian
prisons since 1991, when the Tunisian League for Human Rights visited two facilities.
Click here to read more »
Tunisia: President Ben Ali Underscores 'Human Dimension' of Development Model
Tunisia Online (Tunis)
14 June 2008
In a written statement published in the "2008 Tunisia Report" issued by the Oxford Business Group, one of the leading international
publications aiming at analyzing the performances of emerging markets, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali underscored the
modernizing of the Tunisian economy which has made the country a "centre that is well prepared to attract foreign investors".
The Tunisian President said that the country's economic and social reforms, were carried out "without losing sight of the human
dimension", adding that "such dimensions should be highlighted, as they remain the very essence and the ultimate objective of this
process, ensuring peace, political stability and social progress".
"Within this framework lies our initiative for the creation of a World Solidarity Fund, established through a resolution adopted by the
United Nation ", he said.
Reviewing Tunisia's achievements in terms of socio-economic progress, President Ben Ali noted that international rating agencies
highlighted Tunisia's position and the continuous improvement of its ranking in terms of attracting investment; citing the 2007-2008
latest Davos report on global competitiveness which ranked "Tunisia first in Africa and the Arab Maghreb and 32 nd globally, ahead of
some 20 European countries".
President Ben Ali also highlighted the "social impact" of Tunisia 's economic success, saying that "our social peace is indeed an
additional asset, sustaining our endeavour to make Tunisia a pole of attraction for investors from all parts of the world".
"Nearly 3000 foreign firms operate in Tunisia in various sectors. They have contributed to creating thousands of jobs and reducing
unemployment. On the other hand, they have benefited from the available incentives, modern infrastructure and Tunisian know how in
all fields", writes President Ben Ali .
"Prompted by the positive results we have attained, despite difficult regional and international conditions" said the Tunisian Head of
State, the country "will endeavour to accomplish further gains", relying on "national abilities, as well as on cooperation with our
brothers and friends from all parts of the world who, in confidence, have opted for Tunisia ".
President Ben Ali concludes his statement by saying that "Investors in Tunisia will receive the warm welcome and attention needed to
help their work and pursuit of success".
Click here to read more »
Tunisia Online (Tunis)
14 June 2008
In a written statement published in the "2008 Tunisia Report" issued by the Oxford Business Group, one of the leading international
publications aiming at analyzing the performances of emerging markets, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali underscored the
modernizing of the Tunisian economy which has made the country a "centre that is well prepared to attract foreign investors".
The Tunisian President said that the country's economic and social reforms, were carried out "without losing sight of the human
dimension", adding that "such dimensions should be highlighted, as they remain the very essence and the ultimate objective of this
process, ensuring peace, political stability and social progress".
"Within this framework lies our initiative for the creation of a World Solidarity Fund, established through a resolution adopted by the
United Nation ", he said.
Reviewing Tunisia's achievements in terms of socio-economic progress, President Ben Ali noted that international rating agencies
highlighted Tunisia's position and the continuous improvement of its ranking in terms of attracting investment; citing the 2007-2008
latest Davos report on global competitiveness which ranked "Tunisia first in Africa and the Arab Maghreb and 32 nd globally, ahead of
some 20 European countries".
President Ben Ali also highlighted the "social impact" of Tunisia 's economic success, saying that "our social peace is indeed an
additional asset, sustaining our endeavour to make Tunisia a pole of attraction for investors from all parts of the world".
"Nearly 3000 foreign firms operate in Tunisia in various sectors. They have contributed to creating thousands of jobs and reducing
unemployment. On the other hand, they have benefited from the available incentives, modern infrastructure and Tunisian know how in
all fields", writes President Ben Ali .
"Prompted by the positive results we have attained, despite difficult regional and international conditions" said the Tunisian Head of
State, the country "will endeavour to accomplish further gains", relying on "national abilities, as well as on cooperation with our
brothers and friends from all parts of the world who, in confidence, have opted for Tunisia ".
President Ben Ali concludes his statement by saying that "Investors in Tunisia will receive the warm welcome and attention needed to
help their work and pursuit of success".
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TRANSLATED FROM FRENCH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
26 December 2008 Page: 1 / 2
Tunisia elected a member of the administration of the organization of mediators and Ombudsman of the Mediterranean
Tunisia was elected board member of the organization Ombudsmen and Mediators of the Mediterranean during the second meeting
of that organization held last week in Marseille.
Ms. Alifa Farouk, administrative mediator, took part in this meeting attended by 23 Mediterranean countries, representatives of 5
regional and international organizations, including the League of Arab States, the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe, the
Agency internationale de la Francophonie (AIF) and the United Nations human rights.
The interregional meeting was an opportunity to review Tunisian pioneering experience in these areas, through the policy-making
and avant-garde of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and has allowed the institution of Ombudsman Administrative receive a
radiation at the interregional and international levels.
The work of this meeting focused on several themes, with respect particular, the protection of human rights, of the consecration of
democracy, strengthening the attributes of good governance in Mediterranean countries and the role of the mediator administrative
recognition of these values.
Revue de presse électronique
Click here to read more »
26 December 2008 Page: 1 / 2
Tunisia elected a member of the administration of the organization of mediators and Ombudsman of the Mediterranean
Tunisia was elected board member of the organization Ombudsmen and Mediators of the Mediterranean during the second meeting
of that organization held last week in Marseille.
Ms. Alifa Farouk, administrative mediator, took part in this meeting attended by 23 Mediterranean countries, representatives of 5
regional and international organizations, including the League of Arab States, the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe, the
Agency internationale de la Francophonie (AIF) and the United Nations human rights.
The interregional meeting was an opportunity to review Tunisian pioneering experience in these areas, through the policy-making
and avant-garde of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and has allowed the institution of Ombudsman Administrative receive a
radiation at the interregional and international levels.
The work of this meeting focused on several themes, with respect particular, the protection of human rights, of the consecration of
democracy, strengthening the attributes of good governance in Mediterranean countries and the role of the mediator administrative
recognition of these values.
Revue de presse électronique
Click here to read more »
Two Tunisians face expulsion to Tunisia despite risk of torture or other ill-treatment
9 April 2008
In February 2008, the Danish authorities arrested two Tunisians and a Dane of Moroccan origin, reportedly on suspicion of
involvement in an alleged conspiracy to murder one of the cartoonists who drew the controversial caricatures of the Prophet
Mohammad. This alleged conspiracy has been characterized in statements by the Danish authorities and in the Danish media, as a
‘terrorist’ plot.
Within days of the arrests, the Danish national was released; the two Tunisian nationals, who have not been charged with any
criminal offence, remain in detention [1] and now face expulsion from Denmark, reportedly on the grounds that the Danish
Intelligence Services consider them to be “a threat to national security”. Under Danish law, an individual who faces expulsion on
national security grounds has no right to challenge that decision in a court, no right to be told on what grounds they are suspected
of posing a threat to national security, and no right to know on what grounds it has been decided that they can safely be removed
to the country to which they are to be expelled.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), Amnesty International Denmark and the Rehabilitation and Research
Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) are seriously concerned that this decision exposes these men to the risk of grave violations of
their human rights, including torture or other ill-treatment. The organizations are further concerned that decisions that may have a
devastating impact on the lives and safety of these men have been taken in secret, and that Danish law gives the men no
opportunity to challenge the assertions both that they pose a threat to Danish national security and that it would be safe to return
them to Tunisia.
Various reports issued by Tunisian and international non-governmental organizations[2] have documented the recurrent practice of
torture and other ill-treatment in Tunisia. These reports indicate that Tunisian nationals who have been suspected of, or charged
with, involvement in terrorism-related offences abroad face a real risk of arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture or other ill-
treatment, if returned to Tunisia. Such individuals are at further risk, if charged by the Tunisian authorities with a terrorism-related
offence, of being tried in proceedings which fall far short of international fair trial standards. In light of these risks, deporting these
two Tunisian nationals would violate the Danish government’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
In a recent case, the European Court of Human Rights concluded that the deportation to Tunisia of a Tunisian living in Italy would
have amounted to a violation of Italy’s obligation, under the ECHR, not to remove anyone to a country where they would face a
real risk of torture or other ill-treatment (Saadi vs. Italy, 28 February 2008). The Court noted what it described as the “disturbing
situation” in Tunisia, as described in reports of international organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights
Watch, particularly in relation to “numerous and regular cases of torture and ill-treatment” of individuals charged and detained
under counter-terrorism legislation in Tunisia.
If there is sufficient admissible evidence that these individuals, or others in Denmark, have been involved in “terrorism-related”
activity, then they should be charged with a recognizably criminal offence and brought to trial in proceedings that fully accord with
international fair trial standards. The suspicion, on undisclosed grounds, of involvement in such activities must not, however, be
used to justify returning individuals to countries where they will face a real risk of grave human rights violations.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) and its Tunisian member organizations, the Committee for the Respect
of Liberties and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT), the Tunisian League of Human Rights (LTDH), the National Council for
Liberties in Tunisia (CNLT) and the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), join Amnesty International Denmark
and the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) in their unconditional condemnation of torture and other ill-
treatment.
Click here to read more>>
9 April 2008
In February 2008, the Danish authorities arrested two Tunisians and a Dane of Moroccan origin, reportedly on suspicion of
involvement in an alleged conspiracy to murder one of the cartoonists who drew the controversial caricatures of the Prophet
Mohammad. This alleged conspiracy has been characterized in statements by the Danish authorities and in the Danish media, as a
‘terrorist’ plot.
Within days of the arrests, the Danish national was released; the two Tunisian nationals, who have not been charged with any
criminal offence, remain in detention [1] and now face expulsion from Denmark, reportedly on the grounds that the Danish
Intelligence Services consider them to be “a threat to national security”. Under Danish law, an individual who faces expulsion on
national security grounds has no right to challenge that decision in a court, no right to be told on what grounds they are suspected
of posing a threat to national security, and no right to know on what grounds it has been decided that they can safely be removed
to the country to which they are to be expelled.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), Amnesty International Denmark and the Rehabilitation and Research
Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) are seriously concerned that this decision exposes these men to the risk of grave violations of
their human rights, including torture or other ill-treatment. The organizations are further concerned that decisions that may have a
devastating impact on the lives and safety of these men have been taken in secret, and that Danish law gives the men no
opportunity to challenge the assertions both that they pose a threat to Danish national security and that it would be safe to return
them to Tunisia.
Various reports issued by Tunisian and international non-governmental organizations[2] have documented the recurrent practice of
torture and other ill-treatment in Tunisia. These reports indicate that Tunisian nationals who have been suspected of, or charged
with, involvement in terrorism-related offences abroad face a real risk of arbitrary arrest and detention, and torture or other ill-
treatment, if returned to Tunisia. Such individuals are at further risk, if charged by the Tunisian authorities with a terrorism-related
offence, of being tried in proceedings which fall far short of international fair trial standards. In light of these risks, deporting these
two Tunisian nationals would violate the Danish government’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
In a recent case, the European Court of Human Rights concluded that the deportation to Tunisia of a Tunisian living in Italy would
have amounted to a violation of Italy’s obligation, under the ECHR, not to remove anyone to a country where they would face a
real risk of torture or other ill-treatment (Saadi vs. Italy, 28 February 2008). The Court noted what it described as the “disturbing
situation” in Tunisia, as described in reports of international organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights
Watch, particularly in relation to “numerous and regular cases of torture and ill-treatment” of individuals charged and detained
under counter-terrorism legislation in Tunisia.
If there is sufficient admissible evidence that these individuals, or others in Denmark, have been involved in “terrorism-related”
activity, then they should be charged with a recognizably criminal offence and brought to trial in proceedings that fully accord with
international fair trial standards. The suspicion, on undisclosed grounds, of involvement in such activities must not, however, be
used to justify returning individuals to countries where they will face a real risk of grave human rights violations.
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) and its Tunisian member organizations, the Committee for the Respect
of Liberties and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT), the Tunisian League of Human Rights (LTDH), the National Council for
Liberties in Tunisia (CNLT) and the Tunisian Association of the Democratic Women (ATFD), join Amnesty International Denmark
and the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Victims (RCT) in their unconditional condemnation of torture and other ill-
treatment.
Click here to read more>>
In 814 BC the city of Carthage was founded in present-day Tunisia. From 700 to 409 BC there were repeated
conflicts between Carthage and Greece over spheres of influence and trade routes. Under the Magonid dynasty the
Carthaginians dominated the western Mediterranean but the Greeks regained the upper hand at the Battle of Imera in
480 BC. Skirmishes between Greeks and Carthaginians in Sicily spilled over to mainland Tunisia in 311 BC when the
Greeks invaded Cap Bon. Carthage became a major rival to the Roman Republic for the domination of the western
Mediterranean in the 4th century B.C., leading to the First Punic War. From 218 to 202 BC the Second Punic War
ravaged the region, with Hannibal crossing the Alps to attack Rome. Carthage was eventually destroyed during the
Third Punic War, and Tunisia was made part of the Roman Empire and its citizens sold into slavery. In 44 BC Julius
Caesar landed in Tunisia in pursuit of Pompey and Cato the Younger, who had gained the support of the Numidian
king Juma I. After Caesar's defeat of the rebels at the battle of Thapsus, much of Numidia was annexed. During the 1st
and 2nd century AD Carthage was rebuilt under the supervision of Augustus, and several new towns were founded,
often on the remains of old Punic settlements. This process of development was accelerated after Septimus Severus
became the first African emperor of the Roman Empire in 193 AD. Early in 238, local landowners ignited a full-scale
revolt in the province. An Arab Muslim army entered Tunisia in 670 under the command of uqba ibn Nafa with
permanent intentions. Arriving by land the Arabs passed the Byzantine strongholds along the coast. They founded the
city of Kairouan, using it as a base to subdue individual pockets of Christian and Berber resistance. Tunisia was
considered a natural center for an Arab-Islamic regime and society in North Africa. It was the only region that had the
urban, agricultural, and commercial infrastructures essential for a centralized state. After several generations a local
Arab aristocracy emerged, which was resentful of the distant caliphate's interference in local matters. A minor rebellion
in Tunis in 797 took on a more ominous nature when it spread to Kairouan. The caliph's governor was unable to
restore order, but Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab, a provincial leader, had a well-disciplined army and could. He proposed to
the caliph Harun al-Rashid, that he be granted Ifriqiya as a hereditary fief, which he was acquiesced. Ibrahim bin
al-Aghlab and his descendants, known as the Aghlabids, ruled Tunisia, Tripolitania, and eastern Algeria on behalf of the
caliph from 800 to 909. Anarchy made Tunisia a target for the Norman kingdom in Sicily, who between 1134 and
1148 seized Mahdia, Gabes, Sfax, and the island of Jerba. 1270 an attempted invasion by Louis IX of France was
repulsed. Tunisia prospered through increasing European and Sudanese trade under Al-Mustansir, who used the
money to transform Tunis, his capital, with a palace and the Abu Fihr park. The estate he created near Bizerte was said
to be without equal in the world. In 1492 Muslim and Jewish migration from Spain culminated in the fall of Muslim
Granada. The new comers brought much-needed skills in agriculture and crafts. From 1534 to 1581 Tunisia become a
pawn in power struggles between Spain and Turkey, and in 1574 it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. The
Tunisian state was rebuilt by the imposition of Ottoman rule in the late 16th century. The Ottomans made Tunisia a
province of their empire in 1574, and garrisoned Tunis with 4,000 Janissaries recruited from Anatolia, reinforced by
Christian converts to Islam from Italy, Spain, and Provence. In the 19th century, the country became mostly
autonomous, although officially still an Ottoman province. In 1861, Tunisia enacted the first constitution in the Arab
world, but a move toward a republic was hampered by the poor economy and political unrest. In 1869, Tunisia
declared itself bankrupt, and an international financial commission with representatives from France, United Kingdom,
and Italy took control over the economy. In the spring of 1881, France invaded Tunisia, claiming that Tunisian troops
had crossed the border to Algeria, France's main colony in Northern Africa. Italy, also interested in Tunisia, protested,
but did not risk a war with France. On May 12 of that year, Tunisia was officially made a French protectorate.
Nationalist sentiment increased after World War I. The nationalist Destour Party was set up in 1920. Its successor the
Neo-Destour Party, established in 1934 and led by Habib Bourguiba, was banned by the French. During World War
II, the French authorities in Tunisia supported the Vichy government which ruled France after its capitulation to
Germany in 1940. After losing a string of battles to Bernard Montgomery in 1942, and then hearing of the landings
during Operation Torch, Erwin Rommel retreated to Tunisia and set up strong defensive positions in the mountains to
the south. Overwhelming British superiority eventually broke these lines, although he did have some success against the
"green" American troops advancing from the west. The fighting ended in early 1943, and Tunisia became a base for
operations for the invasion of Sicily later that year. It was very important in World War II. Violent resistance to French
rule boiled up in 1954. Independence from France was achieved on March 20, 1956, as a constitutional monarchy
with the Bey of Tunis, Muhammad VIII al-Amin Bey, as the king of Tunisia. Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba abolished
the monarchy in 1957 and established a strict state under the Neo-Destour (New Constitution) party. He dominated
the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other
Arab nation. President Bourguiba was overthrown and replaced by Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on
November 7, 1987. President Ben Ali changed little in the Bourguibist system. In 1988 Ben Ali tried a new tack with
reference to the government and Islam, by attempting to reaffirm the country's Islamic identity by releasing several
Islamists activists from prison. In recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Tunisia
conflicts between Carthage and Greece over spheres of influence and trade routes. Under the Magonid dynasty the
Carthaginians dominated the western Mediterranean but the Greeks regained the upper hand at the Battle of Imera in
480 BC. Skirmishes between Greeks and Carthaginians in Sicily spilled over to mainland Tunisia in 311 BC when the
Greeks invaded Cap Bon. Carthage became a major rival to the Roman Republic for the domination of the western
Mediterranean in the 4th century B.C., leading to the First Punic War. From 218 to 202 BC the Second Punic War
ravaged the region, with Hannibal crossing the Alps to attack Rome. Carthage was eventually destroyed during the
Third Punic War, and Tunisia was made part of the Roman Empire and its citizens sold into slavery. In 44 BC Julius
Caesar landed in Tunisia in pursuit of Pompey and Cato the Younger, who had gained the support of the Numidian
king Juma I. After Caesar's defeat of the rebels at the battle of Thapsus, much of Numidia was annexed. During the 1st
and 2nd century AD Carthage was rebuilt under the supervision of Augustus, and several new towns were founded,
often on the remains of old Punic settlements. This process of development was accelerated after Septimus Severus
became the first African emperor of the Roman Empire in 193 AD. Early in 238, local landowners ignited a full-scale
revolt in the province. An Arab Muslim army entered Tunisia in 670 under the command of uqba ibn Nafa with
permanent intentions. Arriving by land the Arabs passed the Byzantine strongholds along the coast. They founded the
city of Kairouan, using it as a base to subdue individual pockets of Christian and Berber resistance. Tunisia was
considered a natural center for an Arab-Islamic regime and society in North Africa. It was the only region that had the
urban, agricultural, and commercial infrastructures essential for a centralized state. After several generations a local
Arab aristocracy emerged, which was resentful of the distant caliphate's interference in local matters. A minor rebellion
in Tunis in 797 took on a more ominous nature when it spread to Kairouan. The caliph's governor was unable to
restore order, but Ibrahim ibn al-Aghlab, a provincial leader, had a well-disciplined army and could. He proposed to
the caliph Harun al-Rashid, that he be granted Ifriqiya as a hereditary fief, which he was acquiesced. Ibrahim bin
al-Aghlab and his descendants, known as the Aghlabids, ruled Tunisia, Tripolitania, and eastern Algeria on behalf of the
caliph from 800 to 909. Anarchy made Tunisia a target for the Norman kingdom in Sicily, who between 1134 and
1148 seized Mahdia, Gabes, Sfax, and the island of Jerba. 1270 an attempted invasion by Louis IX of France was
repulsed. Tunisia prospered through increasing European and Sudanese trade under Al-Mustansir, who used the
money to transform Tunis, his capital, with a palace and the Abu Fihr park. The estate he created near Bizerte was said
to be without equal in the world. In 1492 Muslim and Jewish migration from Spain culminated in the fall of Muslim
Granada. The new comers brought much-needed skills in agriculture and crafts. From 1534 to 1581 Tunisia become a
pawn in power struggles between Spain and Turkey, and in 1574 it was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. The
Tunisian state was rebuilt by the imposition of Ottoman rule in the late 16th century. The Ottomans made Tunisia a
province of their empire in 1574, and garrisoned Tunis with 4,000 Janissaries recruited from Anatolia, reinforced by
Christian converts to Islam from Italy, Spain, and Provence. In the 19th century, the country became mostly
autonomous, although officially still an Ottoman province. In 1861, Tunisia enacted the first constitution in the Arab
world, but a move toward a republic was hampered by the poor economy and political unrest. In 1869, Tunisia
declared itself bankrupt, and an international financial commission with representatives from France, United Kingdom,
and Italy took control over the economy. In the spring of 1881, France invaded Tunisia, claiming that Tunisian troops
had crossed the border to Algeria, France's main colony in Northern Africa. Italy, also interested in Tunisia, protested,
but did not risk a war with France. On May 12 of that year, Tunisia was officially made a French protectorate.
Nationalist sentiment increased after World War I. The nationalist Destour Party was set up in 1920. Its successor the
Neo-Destour Party, established in 1934 and led by Habib Bourguiba, was banned by the French. During World War
II, the French authorities in Tunisia supported the Vichy government which ruled France after its capitulation to
Germany in 1940. After losing a string of battles to Bernard Montgomery in 1942, and then hearing of the landings
during Operation Torch, Erwin Rommel retreated to Tunisia and set up strong defensive positions in the mountains to
the south. Overwhelming British superiority eventually broke these lines, although he did have some success against the
"green" American troops advancing from the west. The fighting ended in early 1943, and Tunisia became a base for
operations for the invasion of Sicily later that year. It was very important in World War II. Violent resistance to French
rule boiled up in 1954. Independence from France was achieved on March 20, 1956, as a constitutional monarchy
with the Bey of Tunis, Muhammad VIII al-Amin Bey, as the king of Tunisia. Prime Minister Habib Bourguiba abolished
the monarchy in 1957 and established a strict state under the Neo-Destour (New Constitution) party. He dominated
the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other
Arab nation. President Bourguiba was overthrown and replaced by Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on
November 7, 1987. President Ben Ali changed little in the Bourguibist system. In 1988 Ben Ali tried a new tack with
reference to the government and Islam, by attempting to reaffirm the country's Islamic identity by releasing several
Islamists activists from prison. In recent years, Tunisia has taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations.
Sources: Wikipedia History of Tunisia
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