Tunisia: new law granting the corrupt amnesty must be rescinded

Transparency International strongly condemns the passing of a new law in Tunisia that would allow people who stole public funds and other dirty money to be given amnesty for past crimes.

The Arbitration and Reconciliation Law will stop prosecutions and halt trials for corrupt former officials and their cronies if they reveal their stolen wealth. Transparency International has campaigned against this law since 2016.

“The Tunisian Parliament voted against holding the corrupt to account; the very reason the people took to the streets in 2011. Providing amnesty for the corrupt in the newly adopted reconciliation law sends a negative message that the corrupt anywhere can get away with it,” said Kinda Hattar, Middle East and North Africa Regional Advisor.

The law will not allow investigations into the full amount of stolen assets and this will allow the corrupt to hide their wealth and escape justice.

Transparency International is calling on the Tunisian Parliament to rescind the law and create one that provides justice for the people of Tunisia. They must begin an open national dialogue with state and non-state actors on reconciliation and settlement measures that ensure justice, accountability and social peace.

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