18 May 2006

A group of women lawyers observed a 24-hour hunger strike on Wednesday 17 May in the Bar association building (Maison du Barreau) opposite the Palais de la Justice in the Tunisian capital of Tunis

The women were taking part in a sit in since 9 May, protesting against the Tunisian governments decision to create a law to take the control of the training of barristers away from the independent national Bar association – the Conseil national de l'ordre des avocats (CNOA).

The 32 women went on hunger strike because of police aggression perpetrated against them during the sit in protest.

Tunisian police verbally and physically attacked well-known lawyer, Leila Ben Dabba on the steps of Maison du Barreau as she was attempting to bring food to the protestors on Monday 15 May

The women have demanded a judicial enquiry into the attacks and the CNOA have condemned Government efforts to undermine the independence of the legal profession.

Tunisian lawyer Mohammed Abbou was imprisoned for three and a half years in April 2005 because of his criticisms of the human rights situation in Tunisia