Ultimate safeguard against the government’s arbitrary use of power, Tunisian judges have themselves fallen victim to authoritarianism. The combat led by Anas Hmaidi, president of the Association of Tunisian Magistrates that has been targeted by the current regime, marks a new era of resistance.
Could the release of certain prisoners of conscience promise a new phase in which the regime decides to let up on its policy of repression? Nothing is less certain. Paranoia around the case involving those accused of “plotting to undermine national security”—a trial which opened with a remote hearing and which authorities have attempted to bury under an imposed media blackout—does not bode well.
Revelations made in early February by the Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi Defense Committee were nothing short of explosive. Certain magistrates, including the president of the High Judicial Council, have been accused of covering up the truth and collusion with Ennahdha.
