Néjib Hosni, a Tunisian lawyer and human rights activist, was released from El Kef Prison this week following repeated appeals by human rights advocates, said a report published by Amnesty International.
The release came by a presidential pardon after nearly five months of in jail as a prisoner of conscience.
"Néjib Hosni's imprisonment enraged human rights defenders inside and outside Tunisia," the amnesty said. "The international campaign for his release has been a testament to global human rights solidarity."
Since his arrest, Amnesty International has campaigned relentlessly for his immediate and unconditional release. Soon after his release, Néjib Hosni spoke to the organization and expressed his gratitude to all those who had campaigned so effectively on his behalf.
Amnesty International remains concerned about the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders in Tunisia, which includes judicial proceedings against leading members of the Ligue Tunisienne des Droits de l'homme and the Conseil National des Libertés en Tunisie.
Hosni was re-arrested in December 2000 and sentenced to 15 days in prison for "non-compliance" with a judicial decision, which “arbitrarily” banned him from practicing his profession as a lawyer for five years, according to the statement – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
