Human rights and democratic principles in Tunisia: the EU’s response to the imprisonment of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners

Question for written answer E-000687/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D) Subject: Human rights and democratic principles in Tunisia: the EU’s response to the imprisonment of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners Serious concerns persist regarding the increasing challenges faced by human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and political figures in Tunisia. Since July 2021, judicial pressure on these individuals has intensified, casting doubt on whether Tunisia is committed to, and is safeguarding, fundamental freedoms. The most recent incident occurred on 5 February 2025, when several political figures, including former President of the Tunisian Parliament Rached Ghannouchi, and a number of journalists and bloggers were sentenced to long prison terms without a fair procedural trial. This gives rise to concerns about Tunisia’s adherence to democratic principles and its respect for human rights, especially as the 30th anniversary of the 1995 EU-Tunisia Association Agreement is approaching, and given that the new Pact for the Mediterranean is being prepared. 1. How does the Commission assess the recent convictions of Tunisian political figures and journalists in the context of Tunisia’s commitments to democratic principles and human rights under Article 2 of the Association Agreement? 2. What measures will the Commission take to address the alleged violations of the human rights of political prisoners and immigrants in Tunisia, considering...