Resolution on the rule of law and human rights situation in Tunisia, particularly the case of Sonia Dahmani

The European Parliament adopted by 464 votes to 58, with 75 abstentions, a resolution on the rule of law and human rights situation in Tunisia, particularly the case of Sonia Dahmani.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, Renew, Green/EFA and the Left groups.

Lawyer and journalist Sonia Dahmani was arrested in May 2024 at the Tunisian Bar Association’s office following her appearance on the TV channel Carthage+. Since her arrest she has faced five separate court proceedings and has been convicted three times. Further trials are planned and her total sentence could reach up to 24 years. She is subjected to inhuman and degrading detention conditions, without access to medical care. Sonia Dahmani’s sister, Ramla Dahmani, was sentenced in absentia in July 2025 on charges of spreading false news.

Parliament condemned the arbitrary detention, judicial harassment and sentencing of lawyer and media commentator Sonia Dahmani. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sonia Dahmani and all those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression, including political prisoners and human rights defenders.

The Tunisian authorities are urged to:

- drop all charges against Sonia Dahmani and her sister and to refrain from harassing their family;

- protect freedom of assembly and expression, guarantee judicial independence, prevent executive interference in judicial functions and uphold the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Tunisian Constitution;

- fully repeal Decree-Law 54, which has led to prosecutions for expressions of opinion, and of all abusive legislation used to limit freedoms;

The Commission is asked to:

- make the human rights situation the centre of any political dialogue, financial assistance, security cooperation and agreements with Tunisia;

- respond to the Tunisian Government’s decision to block civil society organisations’ bank accounts.

Lastly, Parliament underlined the critical role that legal professionals play in safeguarding the rule of law and the integrity of the judicial system.

Text adopted by Parliament, single reading