Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08TUNIS1149
2008-11-10 14:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Tunis
Cable title:
GOT RELEASES PRISONERS AHEAD OF NATIONAL HOLIDAY
how-toVZCZCXRO7584 PP RUEHTRO DE RUEHTU #1149 3151441 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 101441Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5730 INFO RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001149
SIPDIS
NEA/MAG (NARDI/HAYES); DRL (JOHNSTONE/KLARMAN)
LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2018
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS
SUBJECT: GOT RELEASES PRISONERS AHEAD OF NATIONAL HOLIDAY
REF: TUNIS 1076
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 001149
SIPDIS
NEA/MAG (NARDI/HAYES); DRL (JOHNSTONE/KLARMAN)
LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2018
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS
SUBJECT: GOT RELEASES PRISONERS AHEAD OF NATIONAL HOLIDAY
REF: TUNIS 1076
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) In the two weeks preceding November 7, the
anniversary of the day President Ben Ali took power, the GOT
released two large groups of prisoners. The government
frequently releases prisoners before major national holidays;
such was the case with journalist Slim Boukhdhir, who was
released shortly before Tunisian Republic Day in July. On
October 30, the GOT released 23 prisoners who were originally
arrested between January and June in connection with
unemployment protests in the southwestern mining region of
Gafsa. Some commentators have speculated that the releases
were an attempt to mollify the supporters of the protestors.
Of those released, 13 were from the mining town of Redeyef,
while 10 others came from the neighboring towns of Oum
Laaraies and M,dhilla.
2. (C) On November 4th, 22 more people were released.
These included 21 former an-Nahdha prisoners, the last of
several dozen an-Nahdha prisoners arrested during the early
1990s. Also released was Zakia Dhifaoui, who is a teacher,
journalist, and member of the opposition FDTL (reftel). She
was arrested for taking part in an illegal demonstration in
Gafsa and sentenced to four months and 15 days in prison on
September 15. Her case garnered international attention, and
was raised informally by the French as part of the EU,s
Human Rights dialogue with the GOT in October. By serving
less than three months in jail, in principle she may return
to teaching.
3. (C) Comment: The release of the last of the an-Nahdha
prisoners is a positive development, as is Dhifaoui's
release. The trials of others arrested during the Gafsa
protests are ongoing, and the Embassy will report on
developments as they occur. End Comment.
GODEC
SIPDIS
NEA/MAG (NARDI/HAYES); DRL (JOHNSTONE/KLARMAN)
LONDON AND PARIS FOR NEA WATCHER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2018
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL KDEM KPAO TS
SUBJECT: GOT RELEASES PRISONERS AHEAD OF NATIONAL HOLIDAY
REF: TUNIS 1076
Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) In the two weeks preceding November 7, the
anniversary of the day President Ben Ali took power, the GOT
released two large groups of prisoners. The government
frequently releases prisoners before major national holidays;
such was the case with journalist Slim Boukhdhir, who was
released shortly before Tunisian Republic Day in July. On
October 30, the GOT released 23 prisoners who were originally
arrested between January and June in connection with
unemployment protests in the southwestern mining region of
Gafsa. Some commentators have speculated that the releases
were an attempt to mollify the supporters of the protestors.
Of those released, 13 were from the mining town of Redeyef,
while 10 others came from the neighboring towns of Oum
Laaraies and M,dhilla.
2. (C) On November 4th, 22 more people were released.
These included 21 former an-Nahdha prisoners, the last of
several dozen an-Nahdha prisoners arrested during the early
1990s. Also released was Zakia Dhifaoui, who is a teacher,
journalist, and member of the opposition FDTL (reftel). She
was arrested for taking part in an illegal demonstration in
Gafsa and sentenced to four months and 15 days in prison on
September 15. Her case garnered international attention, and
was raised informally by the French as part of the EU,s
Human Rights dialogue with the GOT in October. By serving
less than three months in jail, in principle she may return
to teaching.
3. (C) Comment: The release of the last of the an-Nahdha
prisoners is a positive development, as is Dhifaoui's
release. The trials of others arrested during the Gafsa
protests are ongoing, and the Embassy will report on
developments as they occur. End Comment.
GODEC