The Tunisian Interior Ministry Monday night announced on its Facebook page the dissolution of its political police, the body which contains the state security apparatus.
This decision comes amid Tunisian Interim President Fouad Mebazaa’s announcement of the third interim cabinet for the country since former President Zine Al Abidin Ben Ali stepped down on 14 January.
Tunisian state security–akin to the eponymous and embattled apparatus in Egypt–has played an integral role in running the police state that maintained Ben Ali’s nearly quarter-century regime.
“The apparatus was involved with a great deal of detentions and torture for the purpose of propping up the government. It was around at (former President) Bourgheba’s time as well,” said Tunisian Minister for Sport and Youth Slim Amamou.
Amamou, a former blogger and political activist against the Ben Ali regime, was personally subject to the oppressive tactics of state security as he was arrested during protests that led to the Jasmine Revolution and the ouster of the former president. “They were known for their violent tactics…Hopefully this will mean that there will be no more torture in Tunisian prisons,” he said.
In its announcement, the Interior Ministry announced the decision is “in line with the values and principles of the revolution and the obligation to respect the letter of law. It is to maintain a climate of trust and transparency in the relationship of law enforcement with the citizen.”
The dissolution of this apparatus comes at a time when Tunisia is operating under a renewed vision for the function of the Ministry of Interior.
