The de facto judicial system continues to persecute dismissed judge Hichem Ben Khaled

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Paris, April 19, 2026

The Free Voice Organization expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the harassment and detention of dismissed judge Hichem Ben Khaled, within a context marked by a dangerous escalation of human rights violations and attacks on the judiciary in Tunisia.
The organization affirms that the treatment of Mr. Ben Khaled is part of a systematic campaign of harassment and persecution that began with an arbitrary dismissal in 2022, which affected a number of judges outside any disciplinary process guaranteeing a fair trial, and without granting them the right to defense or having their cases reviewed by independent judicial bodies.
It is worth noting that Judge Hisham bin Khalid subsequently obtained a court order suspending his dismissal. Continuing to disregard this ruling constitutes a blatant violation of the principle of the supremacy of the law and institutions.
Furthermore, the undersigned strongly condemn his arrest and prosecution for expressing his opinions through online posts, a clear violation of the constitutionally and internationally guaranteed freedom of opinion and expression, particularly given the absence of any serious indications that the conditions for a fair trial, including the right to defense and the presumption of innocence, will be met. The imprisonment of a judge for his stances and opinions, in a context marked by strained relations between the executive and judicial branches, sends a dangerous message that undermines the very foundation of judicial independence and fosters a climate of fear and intimidation within the judiciary.
Therefore, the undersigned:

1. Condemn in the strongest terms the continued targeting of Judge Hichem Ben khaled;
2. Confirm that what he has endured constitutes a grave violation of human rights and the principles of a fair trial;
3. Call for his immediate release and the cessation of all legal proceedings related to his exercise of his right to freedom of expression;
4. Demand respect for and the prompt implementation of administrative court rulings;
5. Hold the current authorities fully responsible for the repercussions of this course of action on Tunisia’s reputation and its international obligations;
6. And call upon all judicial bodies and national and international human rights organizations to take immediate action to put an end to these violations and defending the independence of the judiciary as a fundamental pillar of the rule of law.