Tunisia: Many Face Prison Over Debts

Reforms Needed to End Abusive System

• At least several hundred people are in prison in Tunisia solely for writing checks they were later unable to pay. Many others facing charges are in hiding or exile.
• The practice amounts to debt imprisonment, which destroys families and businesses, and violates international law.
• Tunisia should replace this system with alternatives to prison for repaying debt; debtors should be released and allowed to establish a repayment plan.

At least several hundred people…