Tunisia censures officers for harassing non-fasting citizens during Ramadan

The Tunisian Interior Ministry has taken disciplinary actions against police officers for harassing non-fasting citizens during the holy month of Ramadan, TAP news agency reported Thursday.

Interior Minister Najem Gharsalli has replaced at least three high ranking police officers in the coastal governorate of Monastir and in the Tunis suburb of Gammarth, following several incidents where security officials punished Tunisians who were not fasting during Ramadan, TAP said, quoting Interior Ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui.

The move was taken in line with disciplinary orders issued by the minister against the officers for abuse of power, Aroui said.

Tunisia is a Muslim-majority country, where most cafes and restaurants are closed during the daytime throughout Ramadan. However, a few remain open for those not fasting, on the condition that they cover their windows and glass doors, and only serve customers inside.

Complaints were recently filed with the Interior Ministry against several police officers who assaulted citizens who were not fasting, whereas others broke into open cafes and ordered their closure.

In one incident that was recorded on video and shared online, a top official was seen assaulting a young woman sitting at a cafe during the day in Monastir.

The controversial video elicited angry comments and enraged citizens.

The Democratic Current Party issued a statement calling for the security forces to respect individual freedoms and not interfere in personal beliefs, as enshrined in Tunisia's new constitution, which guarantees the right to individual freedoms and beliefs.

The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn till sunset, avoiding food, water, along with other behaviors considered sinful such as lying and cursing. Endit