Al-Okaz, Saudi Arabia, November 30
Tunisia is slowly coming to terms with the brutal human rights abuses that took place in the country during 23 years of President Ben Ali’s rule. The transitional justice process that was launched in the country in recent years consists of several tribunals who are collecting testimonies from citizens and victims, in order to bring regime leaders to trial. One such witness is Basma al-Bali. In her recent deposition, al-Bali recalled the horrors she witnessed and suffered in the hands of Ben Ali’s secret services. She recalled a cellmate who, following brutal torture, was forced to clean his own blood off the floor. She herself was subjected to constant surveillance for her involvement with the al-Nahadda Party, as well as her Islamic welfare volunteer work. She was arrested several times, where she was beaten and abused by interrogators. Al-Bali recalled how her family and friends, including her sister, have been detained as well, only to scare and pressure her into giving up on her political activity. These detentions became so prevalent and haphazard that many of al-Bali’s acquaintances removed themselves her and her family out of fear of surveillance. Testimonies like that of al-Bali’s are difficult to hear. They are heart wrenching and disturbing. And yet, they are important to be heard. Justice will only be achieved if these experiences come into light, and those standing behind them are held accountable for their actions. National reconciliation processes elsewhere in the world have certainly not been easy. But they have been crucial in allowing societies to move forward and begin healing from years of violence, human rights abuses, and oppression. – Mohammad Bashir