Hommam Al Nassim 
Tunisia’s strict laws are leading hundreds to prison for failing to pay bad checks, Human Rights Watch reported.
The organization’s report, entitled “No Escape: Debtor Imprisonment in Tunisia,” explained that government statistics speak of about 496 people currently detained for this reason, while a trade association estimates the number at about 7,200 people.
The report criticized current Tunisian policies as a violation of international human rights standards, explaining that these provisions exacerbate the economic crisis in the country, as small and medium-sized companies face challenges in obtaining bank financing, forcing them to rely on “security checks” to secure access to goods and services.
Human Rights Watch’s Tunisia director, Salsabil Shalali, emphasized that imprisonment for financial reasons is an outdated and ineffective measure that prevents debtors from being able to settle their debts and support their families.
The report also discussed a draft law presented by the Prime Minister’s Office that aims to reduce these penalties and separate between unintentional and intentional errors in issuing checks, calling on the Tunisian authorities to quickly adopt legislation that distinguishes between economic deficit and deliberate breach of debt.
According to the International Monetary Fund report, Tunisia is suffering from economic problems, including inflation, as its economy is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2024, which is a lower rate than the average in the region.
On the other hand, the Tunisian Prime Minister expected that the Tunisian economy would grow by 3% in 2024, stressing that the government would take the necessary measures to achieve this goal.
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