The United States is “deeply concerned” by Tunisian President Saied’s calls to dissolve the Supreme Judicial Council, and the reported barring of employees from entering its seat, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Monday.
Price was quoted as saying in a press briefing reported by the US embassy in Tunis, “an independent judiciary is a core element of an effective and transparent democracy.” He stressed, in this regard, that «it is essential that the Government of Tunisia uphold its commitments to respect the independence of the judiciary as stipulated in the constitution.»
The US reiterated its “calls for an accelerated political reform process in Tunisia that responds to the aspirations of the Tunisian people through the inclusion of diverse voices representing political parties, civil society and unions, particularly in the ongoing national consultations, and that ensures the continued respect for Tunisians’ human rights,» Price further indicated.
The spokesperson also urged the Tunisian government to «prioritise implementing the economic reforms required to stabilise the financial situation and address Tunisia’s growing economic challenges.»
President Kais Saied had announced on Saturday night the dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council, saying “the Council is now a thing of the past.»
For his part, president of the Supreme Judicial Council Youssef Bouzakher said Monday the seat of the council was shut down and police prevented its employees from accessing it. He had indicated on Sunday night that law enforcers surrounding the headquarters of the Council were there to protect it and were sent by the Interior Ministry upon the request of the Council because of demonstrations outside it.
Source: Tap News Agency