Today, Sunday, the Tunisian Ministry of Justice announced that it will continue to implement wage deductions for striking judges for the fourth week in a row, in protest against the dismissal of 57 judges by the country's President Kais Saied. The ministry called on all judges to ensure the normal course of work.
The Tunisian Ministry of Justice announced, in a statement on Sunday, that it will continue to deduct the wages of striking judges, after announcing the continuation of the strike for the fourth consecutive week.
The ministry said in its statement: “Following the call related to the continuation of the strike and the disruption of work in the courts for the fourth week in a row and its repercussions on the rights of the defense and the interests of litigants, especially those arrested, the Ministry of Justice reminds to continue implementing the procedures for deduction from wages, in accordance with the rule of work done, with regard to the salary of the month of July. ".
The ministry called on judges to "assume their responsibilities, uphold their right to work, and ensure the normal course of the session's session and decision-making."
On Saturday, Tunisian judges decided to extend their strike for the fourth consecutive week, in protest against the dismissal of 57 judges by the country's president, Kais Saied.
In early June, Saeed issued a presidential order relieving 57 judges of their duties, on charges including "changing the course of cases", "disrupting investigations" into terrorism files, and committing "financial and moral corruption." Which the judges deny the validity of.
This decree was rejected by Tunisian unions and parties and sharp international criticism, especially from the United States and Amnesty International.
Since July 25, 2021, Tunisia has been experiencing a severe political crisis when Said began imposing exceptional measures, including dismissing the government, appointing others, dissolving Parliament and the Judicial Council, and issuing legislation by judicial decrees.
He also decided to hold a popular referendum on a new constitution for the country on July 25, and early parliamentary elections to December 17.
Tunisian forces consider these measures a "coup against the constitution", while other forces see them as a "correction of the course of the 2011 revolution."
As for Saeed, he said that his measures are "measures within the framework of the constitution to protect the state from imminent danger," stressing that "liberties and rights are not to be violated."