Bensedrine, unjustly imprisoned, is on hunger strike and gravely ill

PEN Català expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the arbitrary detention of Tunisian writer and journalist Sihem Bensedrine, a historic defender of human rights and freedom of expression. She has been imprisoned since August 1, 2024, by order of a Tunisian investigating judge.

Sihem Bensedrine, who has been hosted by PEN Català under the Writer in Refuge program in Barcelona, is in an extremely vulnerable situation. Since January 14, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the Tunisian Revolution, she has been on an indefinite hunger strike to protest her unjust detention, which has severely deteriorated her health. On January 26, she had to be hospitalized due to complications arising from this protest.

Bensedrine is being prosecuted on unfounded charges of fraud, forgery, and abuse of public office, linked to her work as president of the Truth and Dignity Commission (IVD), the body responsible for documenting and prosecuting crimes against humanity and corruption cases in Tunisia between 1955 and 2013. Her persecution is part of a broader strategy of repression against dissent and the criminalization of human rights defenders amid Tunisia’s ongoing democratic regression since 2021.

Several national and international organizations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and the Cities Defending Human Rights Network of the Catalan Fund for Development Cooperation, have expressed their solidarity and called for action to secure her release. PEN Català had already warned of her dire situation in a statement last August, when Bensedrine was first detained.

Given the gravity of this situation, PEN Català joins international calls and demands:

  • – The immediate and unconditional release of Sihem Bensedrine and the dropping of all charges against her.
    – Respect for fundamental rights and freedom of expression in Tunisia, ensuring the safety and protection of all human rights defenders.
    – Urgent action from the international community to pressure Tunisian authorities and prevent this case from setting a precedent for unchecked repression.
  • PEN Català reaffirms its commitment to defending freedom of expression and protecting writers and journalists persecuted worldwide. We will continue to denounce this injustice and work towards the release of Sihem Bensedrine and all individuals targeted for exercising their right to truth and justice.

How can you help?

Write to Tunisian authorities demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Sihem Bensedrine, the dropping of all charges against her, and an end to the misuse of the judicial system to persecute her.

Where to send your message?

President of the Republic, Kais Saied

President of the Republic, Kais Saied

Route de la Goulette, Archaeological Site of Carthage, Tunisia

Email: contact@carthage.tn

Twitter: @TnPresidency