Tunisia
Capital city — Tunis
Latest updates
Prisoners are allowed to make external phone calls
The DGPR is planning to gradually install telephone lines in all prisons. This measure is based on a pilot experiment implemented at Monastir prison.
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On May 2020, 180 telephones were installed in prisons in order to provide prisoners with better access to contact with their families during the Covid-19 pandemic. This follows from the suspension of visits. Prisons were not previously equipped with phones.
Daily cost of meals per prisoner
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Number of prisoners who have been granted a presidential pardon or amnesty during the year
1,856
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In order to mark the 64th anniversary of Tunisian independence, 679 prisoners were freed and 1,186 had their sentence reduced.
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The president has pardoned 1,420 prisoners in order to reduce prison overcrowding. A degree also called for prisons to be disinfected and have support from medical units to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
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On 19 May 2020 the Justice Minister announced there will be an amnesty for 2,795 prisoners and parole for 2,559 prisoners.
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On 22 May 2020 the Tunisian president pardoned 643 people to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
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The Tunisian president granted a special pardon to 859 prisoners to mark the celebration of Republic Day. A total of 213 prisoners should be freed as a result of this pardon with the rest receiving a reduced sentence.
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The President pardoned 1 856 prisoners to decrease inmate overpopulation to fight against the epidemic: 670 convicts were released and 1,186 were given remission. The decision was announced on the 64th anniversary of Tunisian independence.
>> Prison Insider has been documenting measures taken and events observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of the information available.
The prison service provides personal hygiene products free of charge
yes
The prison service distributes soap and shampoo to arriving prisoners. The soap is then replaced every 15 days. During their incarceration, destitute prisoners receive shampoo, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Other prisoners are required to keep these items in a canteen.[^guide2]
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On 12 March 2020, the prison administration announced they had implemented improved hygiene measures in prisons to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It has made provision for disinfection procedures, thermal imaging cameras and creating isolation cells.
All prisoners are allowed to work
People in pre-trial detention do not have access to work.
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Several workshops for making face masks have been set up in the prisons of Monarguia, Mahdia, Burj Al-Roumi, Sousse Messadine, Jendouba, Borj Al Amri and Manouba.
Ministry in charge
Ministry of Justice
Care is provided under the authority of the Health Division of the DGPR. Physicians are ‘attached’ to the DGPR. They are part of the prison staff.1
Ministry of Justice, INPT, CoE, “Manuel du droit pénitentiaire tunisien”, November 2019, p. 191. ↩
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Oudhna prison has been converted into a facility to receive and treat any prisoners with Covid-19.
The law provides for a sentence adjustment system
The only means of sentence adjustment envisaged by the Code of Criminal Procedure (Chapter IV) is parole.
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On 10 June 2020 a government decree, validated by the council of ministers, was passed, proposing the wearing of an electronic bracelet as an alternative to prison, as a measure to combat prison overcrowding.
Variation in the number of prisoners
decrease of 3%
In January 2015, there were 23,816 incarcerated people.
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Fifteen human rights organizations requested the “drastic reduction of the number of prisoners.” The organization suggests limiting the use of police and remands in custody. They also advocate the increase of releases on parole and the maintenance of ties between prisoners and their loved ones within health protection measures.
>> Prison Insider has been documenting measures taken and events observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of the information available.