Does Tunisia's police protection bill go too far?
A draft law on preventing attacks against Tunisia's police forces has raised red flags, with some arguing it would undermine human rights and allow police to operate with impunity.
Tunisia's parliament has resurrected a long-buried draft bill addressing police protection that once again is raising fears that the country will return to a "police state." The proposal is designed to prevent attacks on and abuse of police and customs officials and, ostensibly, guarantee the stability of society at large.
During a Nov. 15 parliament session, Interior Minister Lutfi Ibrahim called for the formation of a joint committee with representatives of the Defense, Justice and Interior ministries and the Committee on General Legislation to consider an amended edition of the draft law. He said, “The draft law will not be withdrawn from the House of Representatives.”
