UN expert expresses concern over conviction of Tunisian judges' association president Anas Hmaidi

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Satterthwaite stated that fundamental fair trial guarantees were not upheld in Hmaidi's case. She highlighted that the appeal was decided without Hmaidi being summoned or heard, emphasizing that everyone has the right to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, and impartial tribunal. Satterthwaite added that judges should not be penalized for defending judicial independence and believes Hmaidi's conviction should have been annulled.

The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal confirmed Hmaidi's one-year prison sentence for "obstructing freedom to work" on Wednesday, July 1, with immediate execution. A judicial source indicated that Hmaidi had appealed the initial judgment but did not appear at the hearing despite two postponements requested by his lawyers, and had reportedly left Tunisian territory. The AMT, however, disputes the procedure, asserting that their president was never properly summoned to the Court of Appeal and that a request for a further postponement for his appearance was denied.

The association argues this deprived Hmaidi of his right to be present at his trial, present his defense, and fully benefit from legal assistance. They also noted that the judgment was