Tunisia: UN urges Saied to restore Supreme Judicial Council

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet warned that the dissolution of Tunisia’s Supreme Judicial Council would seriously undermine the rule of law, the separation of powers and the judiciary’s independence in the country.

In a statement published yesterday by the UN Human Rights office, Bachelet urged Tunisian President Kais Saied to restore the Supreme Judicial Council, stressing that dissolving the council is a big step in the wrong direction.

“Much remains to be done to bring justice sector legislation, procedures and practices in line with applicable international standards – but this has been a big step in the wrong direction. The dissolution of the High Judicial Council is in clear violation of Tunisia’s obligations under international human rights law,” Bachelet said.

On Sunday, Tunisian President Kais Saied said that he decided to dissolve the country’s Supreme Judicial Council amid tension with the judiciary. Authorities then closed the council’s headquarters and banned employees from entering the premises.

Bachelet stressed that Tunisia should take all measures to protect the security of the council’s members and staff.

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