IPA calls for release of 2009 Prix Voltaire laureate Sihem Bensedrine by Tunisian authorities

Following an alert from Lawyers Without Borders, the IPA is very concerned to learn of the arrest of Ms Sihem Bensedrine, who was awarded the IPA's Freedom to Publish Prize (the precursor to the Prix Voltaire) in 2009. Bensedrine is the President of Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission which was established in the wake of the Tunisian revolution of 2010-11 as an independent tribunal to collect testimony from victims of human rights abuses by the former government of Tunisia and provide compensation and rehabilitation.

At IPA's Regional Seminar in Nairobi in 2019, Bensedrine summarised the importance of the freedom to publish: 'The book is the place where memory is stored and every book censored is a memory lost'.

KristennEinarsson, Chair of the IPA's freedom to publish Committee said: The arrest of Sihem Bensedrine is a terrible step backwards for the freedom to publish situation in Tunisia. For decades, Ms Bensedrine has been a shining example to the whole world as a journalist, a publisher and a human rights advocate. We urge the authorities to release her and reaffirm their support for freedom of expression and the freedom to publish.

José Borghino, Secretary General of the IPA said: According to the reports we have received, Sihem Bensedrine has been arrested on trumped up charges that are clearly politically motivated. Her important work at Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Commission must have been getting too close to the truth. It is appalling that she is treated in this way. She should be celebrated as a hero by the Tunisian authorities not treated as a criminal.