PES says don't close Tunisian PDP headquarters

18 October 2007

The PES condemned moves by the Tunisian authorities to close down the headquarters of a legal political party, and expressed concern about the well-being of two leading party members who are on hunger-strike in protest at the decision. 

The Tribunal of Tunis recently ruled that the office of the Parti Démocrate Progressiste, a legal and recognised party in Tunisia, should be closed. After many years in this location, the decision appears to be primarily politically motivated.

Since September 20, 2007 two leading members of the party have been on hunger strike in protest at the Tribunal’s ruling.

Philip Cordery, PES Secretary General declared, “New moves to close a down legal opposition party in Tunisia is unacceptable. The Tunisian regime must stop its strategy of suffocating free political expression. It is time to open up!”

The PES supports the rights of freedom of expression and assembly in Tunisia and calls on the EU, on the basis on the Partnership Agreement between the EU and Tunisia, to condemn the authorities for constantly harassing and hampering the legal opposition.