A Tunisian court on Monday sentenced Hammadi to one year in prison on charges of “obstructing freedom of work,” linked to his participation in protests against the dismissal of 57 judges in 2022. These protests were widely covered as a critical moment in Tunisia’s ongoing struggle over judicial independence.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, the league expressed solidarity with Hammadi, stating that the ruling is “part of a systematic policy aimed at subjugating the judiciary and forcing independent judges into submission by using the courts as a tool of intimidation and punishment.”
The league warned that the decision “sets a dangerous precedent that signals the erosion of the remaining guarantees of judicial independence, turning it into a subordinate body used to settle scores and suppress free voices.”
The statement continued: “Jailing the head of the Judges Association over his legitimate activities and positions is a blatant violation of trade union freedoms and freedom of expression. It also reflects a clear determination to harass and intimidate judges and to criminalise all forms of independent organisation within state institutions.”
The league further highlighted that relying on broad charges such as “obstructing freedom of work” demonstrates “a dangerous trend towards expanding criminalisation to include any form of protest or critical stance.”
The incident has reignited debates about the state of judicial independence in Tunisia, with Human Rights Watch warning of a potential slippery slope that could undermine democratic institutions and civil liberties in the country.
Observers note that Tunisia, often hailed as a democratic success story after the Arab Spring, is now facing significant challenges in maintaining the independence of its judiciary while balancing state authority and public dissent.
Legal experts warn that continued targeting of judges may have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law and governance in the country.
Hammadi’s imprisonment has drawn international attention, with advocates calling for the protection of judicial freedoms and urging the Tunisian government to adhere to international human rights standards, ensuring that judges can operate without fear of retaliation.
