This is a testimonial by Ramla Dahmani, sister of Sonia
On August 20th, another somber chapter was added to the relentless persecution of Sonia Dahmani. Today, we were prepared to face an unjust trial, but instead, we were met with humiliation, moral torture, and lies. This is yet another attempt to break a courageous woman.
Sonia Dahmani, a figure known for her bravery, was ready to fight. She had eagerly awaited this day, fully determined to defend herself. Just yesterday, she and her lawyers meticulously prepared every detail, every word. Sonia’s message was clear: “If I’m not there tomorrow, it’s because they’ve prevented me. No matter what they do to me, I will come.”
This morning, rumors spread that Sonia had refused to attend the trial. Her lawyers immediately rushed to the prison to uncover the truth. What they found was beyond comprehension.
The following account is based on Sonia’s own words, which she shared with her lawyers this morning and which they conveyed to the judge.
Sonia never refused to attend the trial. However, the prison director had other plans. While she may not have personally conducted the searches or directly committed the humiliating acts, these events occurred under her authority. Sonia was determined to attend the trial, no matter the cost. But she was told she couldn’t wear shoes, only flip-flops. Despite her disagreement, she complied. Next, she was subjected to a humiliating and degrading search, during which she was completely stripped and subjected to inappropriate physical contact. She didn’t protest, still hoping to attend her trial.
She was then forced to wear a “Sefssari,” a veil reserved for prisoners accused of moral offenses. Sonia protested, but faced with the threat of being barred from attending, she once again complied.
Just as she was about to leave, the prison director declared it was too late for her to attend the hearing, even though it had started at 12:30 PM. The public prosecutor requested that her trial proceed in her absence.
The hearing was suspended to explore the possibility of bringing Sonia to court. Later, the tribunal informed us that it was impossible to have her attend today’s hearing.
Today, we witnessed one of the worst forms of moral torture, where human dignity was trampled under the watchful eye of the prison’s director. Yet, despite everything, Sonia remained strong. She refused to sign papers claiming she had refused to attend the trial. She refused to bow her head. Sonia will not be broken.
Tunisia: A Dark Day in the Struggle for Justice: The Ongoing Persecution of Sonia Dahmani
