Ayachi Hammami is a Tunisian human rights lawyer, husband, father and grandfather who has spent decades defending victims of injustice and speaking out for human rights and judicial independence. Friends describe him as a “young soul” who loves astronomy, classical music and long walks with his dog, Arya.
Since President Kais Saied’s power grab in 2021, Ayachi has openly criticized the growing repression and authoritarian practices in Tunisia and has defended lawyers, judges, journalists and opposition figures targeted for peaceful dissent. After representing defendants in the notorious “conspiracy case” – a mass prosecution in which opposition figures were accused of plotting against state security – he was himself accused of terrorism-related offences in the same case.
In April 2025, following a sham trial that lasted only minutes, Ayachi was sentenced to eight years in prison. An appeal court reduced his sentence to five years in November 2025. He was jailed in the following days and went on a 45-day hunger strike to protest his arbitrary detention. Ayachi’s imprisonment exposes how Tunisian authorities are increasingly abusing the criminal justice system to punish critics, intimidate lawyers and silence those who challenge abuses of power. Yet even in prison, Ayachi continues to inspire others through his courage and integrity.
Call for the immediate and unconditional release of Ayachi Hammami, as he is detained solely for his peaceful human rights activism and legal work.