"There are no detainees in Tunisia. This rumour is perverse and malicious because it aims to tarnish the reputation of the Tunisian authorities in their dealings with suspects and remand prisoners," said Interior Minister Kamel Feki. The minister recalled that the laws and procedures applied in dealing with suspects' cases are strict and rigid, stressing that his department acts in accordance with court authorisations at the request of the public prosecutor. «We act in due form according to acts of the judicial police issued under the supervision of the public prosecutor's office,» the same source said. However, the minister stressed that "some mistakes could be made" and called on anyone who had been the victim of an infringement to report it to the public prosecutor's office. Fekih affirmed that the authorities' approach to arresting "individuals" who are known to the public is often "cautious" and "civilized" in order to avoid unjustified criticism and challenges. The Minister pointed out that during the investigation phase, the arrested person enjoys the protection of the security forces in accordance with international standards. Once warrant of committal has been issued, the arrested person comes under the jurisdiction of the prison and judicial authorities, which deal with his situation according to the means available. Referring to the preventive measures taken against a number of "members of the opposition", the minister reiterated that they were taken to ensure the state's right to pursue those wanted by the judiciary. He added that under the emergency law, the minister could place them under house arrest for a limited period of time if they are needed for an investigation or if they feared fleeing the country.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse