(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is disturbed at the worsening prison conditions of Zouhair Yahyaoui, founder of the Internet site TUNeZINE.com. The journalist was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on charges of “propagation of false news”, “non-authorised usage of an Internet connection” and “theft from an employer”. Since his incarceration on 20 June […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is disturbed at the worsening prison conditions of Zouhair Yahyaoui, founder of the Internet site TUNeZINE.com. The journalist was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on charges of “propagation of false news”, “non-authorised usage of an Internet connection” and “theft from an employer”.
Since his incarceration on 20 June 2002, Yahyaoui’s living conditions have declined at an alarming rate. Due to the squalid living conditions and infrequent access to water, his cell is infested with cockroaches and he suffers from scabies. After the replacement of his original cell-mate, Yahyaoui also went on hunger strike. Following his dramatic physical decline, the journalist, who already has a kidney condition, was forced to seek medical advice. He was offered medication by a nurse to help ease his condition. However, the “medication” offered contained no packaging and, suspicious of its contents, Yahyaoui refused to take it. As a result of this, the cyberdissident, already weak and in a critical state of health, was allegedly dragged outside by two wardens who beat him until he fell unconscious. The reason given for this punishment was that he had “insulted God”. On 13 September, Yahyaoui was reported to have been transferred to hospital after suffering acute kidney problems.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– demanding an immediate improvement in Yahyaoui’s prison conditions and the bringing to justice of those responsible for his mistreatment
– calling for his immediate release
Appeals To
Président Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
Président de la République
Palais Présidentiel
Tunis, Tunisie
Fax: +216 1 744 721Hedi M’Henni
Ministre de l’Intérieur
Avenue Habib Bourguiba
1001 Tunis
Tunisie
Fax: +216 1 340 888
E-mail: mint@ministeres.tnM. Bechir Takkari
Ministre de la Justice
Ministère de la Justice
31, Av. Bab Benat,
1006 Tunis – La Kasbah
Tunisie
Fax: +216 1 568 106
E-mail: mju@ministeres.tnPlease copy appeals to the source if possible.
