Arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani in Tunisia Draws Widespread Solidarity
The arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani in Tunisia has ignited widespread anger and concern, especially among lawyers, judges, and activists.
Rahmani’s arrest took place without any official charge, raising serious questions about the country’s commitment to judicial independence. 
His wife was assaulted during the arrest, and her phone was seized by authorities. This move has drawn harsh criticism from many sectors of Tunisian society.
Arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani: A Disputed Cause
Several individuals, including former diplomat Abdelwaheb El-Hani, have suggested that the arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani may stem from his critical social media posts.
Rahmani had been vocal about the “miserable situation” of Tunisia’s national oil distribution company and the worsening state of the country’s highways. Furthermore, his articles criticized the president’s handling of judicial independence.
In one of his pieces, Rahmani lamented the unjust dismissal of 57 judges and the dissolution of the elected Supreme Council of the Judiciary. El-Hani expressed his solidarity with Rahmani, saying, “This situation reeks of corruption.”
Solidarity Grows After the Arrest
The arrest has sparked a wave of solidarity from lawyers, human rights advocates, and civil society groups.
Murad Masoudi, a fellow lawyer, praised Rahmani as a “brave and strong man” who has always fought for justice and fairness. Enas Al-Harath, another lawyer, criticized the worsening situation in Tunisia, calling it “a moment of indescribable shame.”
She vividly described Rahmani’s court appearance, where he was led in handcuffs, shouting “Freedoms… Freedoms.” This moment highlighted the deepening frustration with the country’s deteriorating political climate.
A Sign of Tunisia’s Judicial Crisis
The arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani fits into a troubling pattern of actions targeting Tunisia’s judicial system.
Anouar Gharbi, the Director of the Geneva Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, described this arrest as “very dangerous.” He pointed out that Rahmani had long been a defender of Tunisia’s legal institutions.
Gharbi warned that undermining the judiciary would have devastating consequences for the country’s future. Despite a court ruling that called for Rahmani’s reinstatement, the authorities have ignored the decision.
This marks a further decline in the respect for judicial rulings and raises alarms about Tunisia’s democratic future.
What Does the Arrest of Judge Hammadi Rahmani Mean for Tunisia’s Future?
The detention of Judge Hammadi Rahmani reveals a more serious problem with Tunisia’s legal system.
Will the government respond to these demands for justice, or will Tunisia’s judiciary continue to be weakened, is the main question as demonstrations and solidarity continue? Drop your opinions in the space below.
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