PEN International welcomes the release on January 16, 2011, of Nizar Ben Hassan and Hamma Hammami Hassan, who had been arrested by Special Presidential Security officers a few days earlier. It also welcomes the release of bloggers Azyz Amamy and Slim Amamou. However, it remains concerned about the continued detention of Ammar Amroussia, Soufiane Chourabi, Hamadi Kaloutcha,  Nibras Mahzeeli, Mue’z al-Bai, Mue’z Jama’I and rapper El Général (real name Hamada Ben Aoun).

Background Information

The journalists were released after the fall of the former President Ben Ali’s government on January 14, 2011. PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining imprisoned journalists and bloggers.

Write A Letter

(preferably in French or Arabic)

  • Welcoming the release of Nizar Ben Hassan, Hamma Hammami Hassan, Azyz Amamy, and Slim Amamou;
  • Expressing concerns about the continuing detentions of other journalists and bloggers which PEN believes is a clear violation of their right to freedom of expression;
  • Calling on the Tunisian authorities to release journalists and bloggers, lawyers, activists, and civilians immediately and unconditionally and to investigate the allegations of torture.

Send Your Letter To

Acting President
Foued Mebazaa
President
Palais Présidentiel
Tunis, Tunisia
Fax: +216 71 744 721

Prime Minister
Mohammed Ghannouchi
Place du Gouvernement
La Kasbah
1008 Tunis
Tunisia
Fax: +216 71 572 707

Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Lazhar Karoui Chebbi
Ministry of Justice and Human Rights
31 Boulevard Bab Benat
1006 Tunis - La Kasbah
Tunisia
Fax: +216 71 568 106
Email: [email protected]
Salutation: Your Excellency

Minister of Interior
Ahmed Friaa
Ministry of Interior and Local Development
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
1000 Tunis, Tunisia
Fax: +216 71 340 888
Salutation: Your Excellency

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Tunisia in your country if possible.

Please contact PEN if sending appeals after 1/30/11: ftw [at] pen.org