GAFSA, Tunisia – On January 13, the appeals of the sentences of Tunisian Trade Union Leader Adnan Hajji and several other union workers were postponed until February 3.  The men were arrested due to  protests during the summer of 2008 and they each face up to 10 years in prison.  They are charged with forming a criminal group with the intent to destroy property. 

Protests arose in the region over the summer in response to a promotion lottery that was allegedly rigged by the large mining companies to prevent certain people from being selected for promotion.  Tunisian authorities arrested several people, including those mentioned above.  Hajji and 37 others were tried by Tunisian courts in December and several were sentenced with the 10-year maximum sentence.

Amnesty International has called the trials unfair, stating that at least four of the accused were tried in absentia.  They describe the prison sentences as a “travesty of justice.”

Amnesty International – Tunisian Trade Unionists’ Appeal Postponed – 13 January 2009

Impunity Watch – Tunisian Trade Leader and Others to be Tried for Protests – 9 December 2008