GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed their alarm at the new criminal proceedings initiated against Judge Anas Hmedi, President of the Association of Tunisian Magistrates, based on media statements he made as association president and in defence of judicial independence in Tunisia.
"Judges must be able, individually and collectively, to participate in public debate on the organisation, functioning, and independence of the judiciary, in accordance with their duties of discretion and responsibility, and without fear of pressure, deterrent measures, or legal proceedings that could impede the exercise of their institutional functions," the experts said.
These new charges, coming on top of those initiated since 2022, target him for his work as head of the Tunisian Magistrates Association, through which he has promoted, protected, and safeguarded the independence of the judiciary in Tunisia.
"We are concerned that these actions may constitute a new set of reprisals against Judge Hmedi for exercising his rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and for defending the independence of the judiciary in Tunisia," the experts said.
The experts have been in touch with Tunisia about their concerns.
