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Chaïma Issa

Arrested since: 25/02/2023

Chaïma Issa, première femme prisonnière politique sous the regime of Kaïs Saïed

University teacher Chaima Issa has been in prison since February 25, 2023. She was arrested by police forces on February 23 as part of an investigation into a state security conspiracy case. She is accused of inciting the army to disobey direct orders, of insulting the head of state and of responding with the aim of undermining national security. She is also the subject of proceedings, under Decree No. 54 relating to the fight against offenses relating to information and communication systems, following a media statement of December 22, 2022.

Date of arrest

25/02/2023

Cases

Conspiracy case (1) Where the investigation ordered a total of 17 people as suspects

Decree 54 to combat crimes related to information and communication systems

The charges against Issa related to incitement of the military by any means, not to obey the order, to commit a brutal order against the head of state, and to promote and spread false news and rumors through networks, information and communication systems, with the aim of harming public security or national defense.

Reasons of arrest

Promoting and spreading false news and rumors

Competent authority

Military court

Actions and violations

January 19, 2023
She appeared before the Anti-Crime Squad of the National Guard in Ben Arous on January 19 because of her opinions, and it was decided to prevent her from traveling.

January 27, 2023
Shaimaa Issa appeared before the Military Court of First Instance on January 27 as an accused because of her radio statement, and it was decided to keep her released.

The investigative judge questioned activist Shaima Issa almost exclusively about a meeting with a US diplomat and written notes found in her home about mobilizing anti-Saeed protests, according to the minutes of her judicial interrogation. (Amnesty)

Lawyer Booker indicated – in an interview with Al-Jazeera – that the searches and arrests of their father, which targeted Issam Al-Shabi and Shaima Issa, all took place outside the framework of legal procedures, as he put it.

Biography

She studied comparative religions at Zitouna University and then in France1.

After the revolution of 2011 and an unsuccessful candidacy for the legislative elections of 2014, she was in charge of mission in 2020 to the Minister of Women and the Family and published Féminisme et religion1.

After President Kaïs Saïed’s coup in 2021, she opposed the measures announced and joined the National Salvation Front1. She was arrested on February 22, 2023 and remanded in custody for “conspiracy against state security”1. She was immediately considered the first political prisoner under the Saïed1 regime.

Imprisoned, she receives the support of about 100 women active in different fields2.

According to her lawyer, she is also the subject of other lawsuits following a complaint filed by the Minister of Justice Leïla Jaffel3.

In June 2023, when a judge ordered his release, Chaïma Issa finally remained in prison, the prosecution having rejected the decision4. A month later, she was released.

Birth date

02/07/1980

Gender

Female

Political Affiliation

National Salvation Front

Photo Album

Tags

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