UN Rights Chief urges Tunisia to uphold rule of law and protect democratic freedoms

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urged Tunisian authorities to safeguard democratic processes and fundamental freedoms following a presidential campaign marked by a crackdown on opposition, activists, and journalists. Ahead of the October 6 election, over 100 individuals, including candidates and political figures, were arrested on charges ranging from electoral fraud to national security violations. The Independent High Authority for Elections accepted only three out of 17 prospective candidates, with some facing lengthy prison sentences.