ROMA – Founder of the Association Children of the Moonan organization that helps migrants in Medenine, in southern Tunisia, Abdallah El Saïd was arrested and transferred to the anti-terrorism center of the North African country. The general secretary and treasurer of the same non-governmental organization were also arrested.
It is the first time that anti-terrorism intervenes. The NGO spokesperson announced the news. It is worrying that the investigations into Abdallah El Saïd have been handed over to the staff of the Center for Counter-Terrorism, because it is the first time that the authorities have used it for associations specializing in migration issues.
Saïed knew he was threatened. According to the essayist Hatem Nafti, also author of the book Notre Ami Kaïs Saïed just published by Riveneuve, Abdallah El Saïd knew he was threatened. “For months he had been receiving visits from the authorities and the police. Other leaders of associations helping migrants who are now in prison were also arrested in quite similar conditions, he told RFI radio”.
But since those leaders of organizations that help migrants have been in prison for months without ever having been tried and since the investigation of their case takes a long time and – as many claim – the Tunisian judicial system is no longer independent at all, there seems to be no reason to be optimistic. “He is an ideal scapegoat for the authorities,” concluded Hatem Nafti.
#Tunisia #arrest #members #NGO #helps #migrants #investigated #antiterrorism
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Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided news segment transcript:
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Tunisian Migrant Aid Worker Arrested
**(Introductory Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re tackling a story that’s sparking outrage and raising serious questions about freedom of association and human rights in Tunisia. We’ve gathered two distinguished guests to discuss the recent arrest of Abdallah El Saïd, founder of the Tunisian NGO “Children of the Moon,” an organization dedicated to assisting migrants in Medenine.
Joining us today, we have Dr. Samir Ben Hamida, a Tunisian legal scholar specializing in human rights law, and Emma Thompson, a senior researcher at the Human Rights Watch organization, who has extensive experience working on migrant rights issues in North Africa.
**Welcome to both of you.**
**Both guests:** Thank you.
**Host:** Dr. Ben Hamida, let’s begin with you. For our viewers unfamiliar with the situation, can you provide some background on Abdallah El Saïd and the “Children of the Moon” NGO, and the nature of their work in Tunisia?
**Dr. Ben Hamida:**
**(Section 1: The Case of Abdallah El Saïd)**
**Host:** Emma, the article mentions that this is the first time anti-terrorism authorities have been deployed in investigations concerning migration NGOs. What are the potential implications of this development, and what message do you think it sends to other humanitarian organizations working in Tunisia?
**Emma Thompson:**
**(Section 2: Anti-Terrorism Measures and Humanitarian Aid)
**Host:** Dr. Ben Hamida, the article states that other migrant aid leaders have been arrested in Tunisia and remain detained without trial. Is this a pattern emerging in the Tunisian legal system, and what are the potential consequences for the rule of law and due process?
**Dr. Ben Hamida:**
**(Section 3: Rule of Law and Human Rights in Tunisia)**
**Host:**
Emma, returning to your expertise on migrant rights, how widespread is the issue of migrant exploitation and vulnerability in Tunisia, and what are the specific challenges faced by organizations like “Children of the Moon” in providing aid?
**Emma Thompson:**
**(Section 4: Migrant Rights and the Role of NGOs)
**Host:** Dr. Ben Hamida, what legal recourse is available to Abdallah El Saïd and his colleagues, and what steps can international organizations and governments take to ensure their safety and fair treatment?
**Dr. Ben Hamida:**
**(Section 5: Legal Recourse and International Intervention)**
**Host:** Well, thank you both for lending your valuable expertise and insights to this important topic. This is a developing story, and World Today News will continue to follow the situation closely.
**(Closing Music)**
