The Jendouba regional section of the Tunisian Human Rights League (LTDH) published a press release on Thursday, December 25, denouncing the conditions of the hearings at the criminal chamber at the Jendouba Court of First Instance, during the hearing on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The press release, signed by regional president Hédi Ben Romdhan, highlights several dysfunctions which gave rise to complaints from litigants and protests from lawyers.
Hearings that are too long and poorly organized
According to the LTDH, the main problem observed is the disproportion between the number of files scheduled and the time allotted for their processing. The extension of hearings until late caused serious travel difficulties, particularly for litigants residing in remote rural areas.
The press release also specifies that the poor organization of the files, compared to the list displayed by the court, led to overcrowding of the premises. Lawyers and litigants found themselves standing for long periods, which represents a significant health risk, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable groups.
Incidents and risks for the health of litigants
The LTDH reports a serious incident that occurred during the hearing: a litigant suffered two fainting spells, requiring the intervention of civil protection agents to transport her to hospital. These events illustrate, according to the organization, the seriousness of current conditions, which can endanger the physical health of participants in the hearings.
Call for urgent reforms
Faced with these findings, the organization is calling for immediate intervention to improve the functioning of the correctional chamber. Among the recommended measures are:
- The creation of new jurisdictions to guarantee sufficient time for the examination of each case, without affecting the rights of litigants.
- The reorganization of files in accordance with the official list posted by the court, in order to ensure the smooth running of hearings and limit congestion.
- The increase in the number of judges and clerks, in order to allow rapid and efficient processing of cases, and the possibility of considering the creation of a second court of first instance in Jendouba.
An attack on fundamental rights
In its press release, the LTDH underlines that the absence of adequate conditions for holding hearings compromises the right to a fair trial, a fundamental right guaranteed by international conventions and Tunisian legislation. The organization insists that this situation represents a direct threat to the administration of justice and calls on the competent authorities to take urgent measures to remedy these dysfunctions.
Hédi Ben Romdhan concludes the press release by affirming that these conditions cannot continue without endangering not only the health and rights of litigants, but also the integrity of the judicial system in the region.
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