Tunisian media revealed that content creator Yousry Ramadani died after being transferred from prison to Charles Nicole Hospital in the capital, Tunis. Mustafa Abdel Kabir, head of the Tunisian Observatory for Human Rights, said that Yousry Ramadani was suffering from health problems and previous illnesses during his detention.
The causes or circumstances of death are not yet known, especially in the absence of official data. While some publications on social media platforms circulated information about “During his suspension period, Al-Ramadani did not obtain the medications he needed,” according to what the Tunisian Telegraph website reported.
Some publications also criticized the death of Yousry Ramadani in prison, noting that his name “is added to the list of victims of Tunisian prisons due to medical, nutritional and psychological neglect.”
Weeks of detention
Yousry Al-Ramadani was a well-known content creator on the TikTok platform. Yousri comes from Kasserine Province. Al-Ramadani used to post video clips on social media platforms, which are a space for expression and interaction for many young people.
Weeks ago, Yousry Al-Ramadani was imprisoned due to content he published on his private account on social media. The content included what was considered “criticism of the authorities,” according to what was indicated by the Tunisian “News Plus” website.
As for the “Ultra Tunisia” website, it revealed that Yousry Al-Ramadani “was arrested against the background of research authorized by the Public Prosecution at the Specialized Cybercrime Division on charges that affected state institutions and security units.”
Tunisian prisons in the spotlight!
The death of content creator Yousry Al-Ramadhani has renewed talk about the conditions of Tunisian prisons and detention conditions. Reports indicate that Tunisian prisons face several problems, including: overcrowding and pressure on health services. In addition to the “deterioration” of some accommodation and hygiene conditions. While the Tunisian authorities deny any health deterioration or negligence in the field of health care.
The World Prison Prison platform for prison systems around the world indicates that last year, the number of prisoners in Tunisian prisons reached about 33,000, compared to a capacity that does not exceed 17,000 places. This means that the number of prisoners is approximately double the capacity.
Many specialists and human rights organizations believe that overcrowding in prisons is also due to the widespread use of pretrial detention, the long duration of some judicial procedures, and the limited reliance on alternative punishments.
On the other hand, the Tunisian website “Webdo” reported that the Tunisian Ministry of Justice included projects to build a prison in Beja and expand the Burj Al Roumi prison within its investment program. In addition to establishing a prison complex dedicated to women in Monastir, and equipping a hospital unit inside the League Prison.
He added that the new prison projects reflect the state's desire to enhance the absorptive capacity of the prison system.
Tunisia is in the crosshairs of human rights criticism
A report issued last year by Human Rights Watch noted that, “Since early 2023, the Tunisian authorities have intensified arbitrary arrest and detention campaigns against voices perceived as critical of the government.” He added: "Including lawyers, human rights activists, journalists, and social media users."
The report continued, “Arbitrary detention for exercising basic rights such as freedom of expression or assembly has become common in Tunisia.” While the Tunisian authorities reject the reports of Human Rights Watch and consider them “interference” in the country’s internal affairs.
Freedom of expression or digital abuses?
Content published on social media platforms raises a debate about the responsibility of content makers, the limits of legal oversight and ethical standards.
Some of the clips posted on social media include profanity or sexual connotations, and perhaps also a review of private life. This content raises concerns, especially because of its potential impact on minors, which may increase further if these clips become widespread.
Also, some social media users are criticized for not distinguishing between constructive criticism and falling into the trap of insults and defamation, which is punishable by law. Tunisia has witnessed a campaign of arrests and judicial rulings targeting social media platforms. Tunisian authorities considered that some social media content “contradicts public morals,” and threatened to pursue those who publish “disgraceful content.”
However, questions always arise about the limits of legal oversight and the interpretation of some terms during legal follow-up. As well as the potential impact of all of this on freedom of expression.
It is noteworthy that social media also includes a variety of content that contributes to spreading societal awareness, warning against some bad phenomena and customs, as well as undertaking the task of informing and educating society, especially in light of the decline in the influence of traditional media.
