The International Federation of Human Rights has voiced concern about the climate ahead of Tunisian Parliamentary elections, 24 October 2004, branding the elections a 'façade.' Constitutional changes of 26 May 2002, effectively installed a life time Presidency for the incumbent, Ben Ali, according to the international NGO. In the last elections, Ben Ali won 99.44 % of the vote.
The report points to systematic violation of human rights over the past few years including systematic torture. Particular mention is made of the recent 'Zarzis' case over government detention of those visiting banned internet sites.
Hamma Hammami, the head of the Communist party of Tunisian workers has called for the boycott of elections. He was beaten 11 October by two men in broad daylight. Another opposition leader, Moncef Marzouki, and former President of the Tunisian Human Rights League, was arrested 13 October, when he was about to board a plane to Paris. (albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
