Defend International urges the Tunisian authorities to drop the accusations against Omar Al-Mesteery as he is held solely for his peaceful criticism of the procedures adopted by Lawyer’s syndicate.
Name: Omar Al-Mesteery
Sex: Male
Authorities: Tunisian
Category: Fear of torture or ill-treatment / illegal complaint lawsuit / unfair trail
The case:
Defend International raises its concern about the continuing questioning of journalist Omar Al-Mesteery, the general editor of “Kalima” newspaper, in connection to his published article regarding a particular lawyer.
Defend International has received reports from DI Defenders in Tunisia mentioning that Al-Mesteery’s article was published in September 2006 and refereed to the lawyer in question, closely connected to the Tunisian government, and to his license which was revoked, nevertheless his membership in the Lawyer’s syndicate was reinstated. The report also highlighted that the lawsuit had exceeded the admissible time limit by more than four months.
During the last questioning the lawyer attempted to commit aggravated assault inside the Court against Mr. Al-Mesteery and others. This happened while the security forces and police officers watched but did not intervene.
DI Demands:
Defend International condemns these questionings and the use of violence inside the Court, and demands to bring to account those responsible; those who did not respect the physical integrity and the inviolability of the judicial function.
Defend International urges the Tunisian authorities to put an end to the trial of journalist Omar Al-Mesteery, especially after the newspaper “Kalima” has declared to give the right of reply to the lawyer.
DI also seeks assurances that Mr. Al-Mesteery will not be subjected to torture or ill-treatment, and asks for details of the charges against him. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Tunisia must uphold its obligations as defined in the Covenant, including the right to freedom of expression.
DI campaign:
Please copy the following appeals, add your signature and address and send them to arrive as soon as possible.
With thanks and appreciation
Defend International
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Minister of Justice and Human RightsMr. M. Bechir Tekkari31 Boulevard Bab Benat 1006 Tunis – La Kasbah Tunisie
Fax: + 216 71 568 106
E-mail: mju@ministeres.tn
Your Excellency,
Herby I am expressing my concern to learn that the journalist Omar Al-Mesteery is reportedly still being questioned in connection to his published article regarding a particular lawyer.
I call on you to drop the accusations against him as he is held solely for his peaceful criticism of the procedures adopted by Lawyer’s syndicate. Moreover I would like to remind you that you are bound by international standards for fair trail.
I seek urgent assurances that Omar Al-Mesteery is not being tortured or ill-treated. Furthermore I call on you to give him immediate access to any medical treatment he may require. I would also like to ask for details of the charges against him.
I hope for your urgent attention to this matter.
Respectfully yours,
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His Excellency M. Zakaria Ben Mustapha (President)85 avenue de la Liberte 1002 Tunis Belvedere Tunisie
Fax: + 216 71 796 593
Your Excellency,
Herby I am expressing my concern to learn that the journalist Omar Al-Mesteery is reportedly still being questioned in connection to his published article regarding a particular lawyer.
I call on you to drop the accusations against him as he is held solely for his peaceful criticism of the procedures adopted by Lawyer’s syndicate. Moreover I would like to remind you that you are bound by international standards for fair trail.
I seek urgent assurances that Omar Al-Mesteery is not being tortured or ill-treated. Furthermore I call on you to give him immediate access to any medical treatment he may require. I would also like to ask for details of the charges against him.
I hope for your urgent attention to this matter.
Respectfully yours,
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Minister of the InteriorMr. Rafik Haj KacemAvenue Habib Bourguiba 1000 Tunis Tunisia
Fax: + 216 71 340 888
E-mail: mint@ministeres.tn
Your Excellency,
Herby I am expressing my concern to learn that the journalist Omar Al-Mesteery is reportedly still being questioned in connection to his published article regarding a particular lawyer.
I call on you to drop the accusations against him as he is held solely for his peaceful criticism of the procedures adopted by Lawyer’s syndicate. Moreover I would like to remind you that you are bound by international standards for fair trail.
I seek urgent assurances that Omar Al-Mesteery is not being tortured or ill-treated. Furthermore I call on you to give him immediate access to any medical treatment he may require. I would also like to ask for details of the charges against him.
I hope for your urgent attention to this matter.
Respectfully yours,