But in one episode, the series' main character, Wannas, declares to his wife and children that he has the right to marry a second woman under Islamic law, which "trumps all other laws". A TV series on polygamy broadcast during Ramadan is causing controversy in Tunisia, a pioneering Arab country on women's rights, where multiple unions have been banned for decades. The strongly secular Free Destourian Party (PDL) founded by one-time members of Ben Ali's ruling party has been one of the loudest voices against "Baraa", saying that "putting these questions back on the table is out of the question" and an affront to women's dignity. 2023 Copyright France 24 - All rights reserved. A group of Tunisian women have used social media sites to call for a protest demanding polygamy. Polygamy is an injustice to women, he was widely cited as saying, sparking both angry and supportive reactions in the traditional and online media. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); January 26, 2019 at 11:55 am | Published in: A Tunisian woman can be seen wearing the national flag on 13 August 2018 [FETHI BELAID/AFP/Getty Images]Tunisian, Tunisian union calls for another nationwide strike to press wage demands, Tunisia cabinet approves equal inheritance law, Tunisia women recount torture in 'transitional justice' trials. In early 2018, a group of women held a protest to demand the re-legalisation of polygamy. You have reached your limit of subscriber-only articles this month. The CSP, enacted five months after the country's independence, is revolutionary legislation that granted Tunisian women rights unprecedented in the Arab world. Tunisia has some of the strongest womens rights laws in the Middle East. By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. This Tunisia-related article is a stub. 3 min. However, the legal status of women in the family in Tunisia differs from that of other countries in the region. The abolition of the decree may not remove the cultural and traditional barriers women face when interfaith marriage in their families, but it now offers Tunisian women greater freedom of choice from a legal perspective. The Personal Status Act of 1956 allows women to freely and personally consent to their marriage, sets the minimum age of marriage for women over 17 years of age, requires a medical certificate before marriage and allows a woman to consent to the marriage of her children if they are minors. In this context, researcher of Islamic civilisation, Sami Braham, wrote that: "Unmarried women who missed a wedding opportunity believe that opening the door to polygamy will enable them to get married." She claimed that it also "indicates a lack of awareness of those who demand it," adding that "this will not affect the lifestyle of Tunisian society or the achievements of Tunisian women". "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticized by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state. It also changed the law so that divorce cases had to go through the courts, meaning a husband could no longer simply declare a marriage over. A TV series on polygamy broadcast during Ramadan is causing controversy in Tunisia, a pioneering Arab country on women's rights, where multiple unions have been banned for decades. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956, the same year it gained official independence. In his view, the controversy illustrates "a social hypocrisy", because "we agree to discuss these phenomena in private, among friends, but we get indignant and angry when they are mentioned in public". According to an international study conducted in December, Tunisia ranked fourth in the Arab world and first in north Africa in the percentage of single women. Italian firm gears up to restart works on Total's Mozambique gas project, Burkina scraps 1961 military aid pact with France, 'Like a war zone': Greek train survivors recount chaos, Bears freed from illegal bile farm in Vietnam. In practice, a polygamous union is in most cases limited to two women per couple. Any individual who engages in the union of marriage before the dissolution of their previous/current matrimony is sanctioned by one year of imprisonment and/or a fine, even if the first marriage or the new marriage were not contracted in accordance with the law. The series, aired at prime time after observant Muslims break their daytime fast, has sparked a backlash on social media. A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago."Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticised by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state.Both practices are punishable by up to a year in . Algeria's considerably amended Code de la Famille (Family Code) and Morocco's new Moudawana (Family Law) (Articles 40-46) have both introduced . In most West African countries, polygamy is also recognised and regulated by the civil law that allows a man to marry up to four women under certain conditions, including the financial capacity to support multiple wives and families. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. Such controversies ought to be reflected in the arts, Ghorbali said. The group has urged the country's broadcast regulator to take the programme off the air. Kurdish-controlled areas criminalize polygamy, "Tunisian women free to marry non-Muslims", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Polygamy_in_Tunisia&oldid=1141521187, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 13:37. PESCO, enacted five months after the country`s independence, is groundbreaking legislation that grants Tunisian women unprecedented rights in the Arab world. Disillusionment and unhappiness in Tunisia, a decade on after the Arab Spring. A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. LIBRA & ARIES CONSULTING SH.P.K Divorce in Tunisia is a civil matter.At present the Code of Personal Status sets out three grounds for divorce: How long does it take to get married in Tunisia? Sociologist Foued Ghorbali said that while the subject remains taboo, polygamy remains a problem in Tunisia. Tunisian actors (L to R) Rim Riahi, Fethi Haddaoui, and Ahlam Fekih look on during the filming of the Tunisian television series "Baraa" (innocence) in the capital Tunis on De, By using this website, you agree with our use of cookies to improve its performance and enhance your user experience. Muslim Polygamy - Legal Information - Muslim Polygamy A Complete Ban on Polygamy A few Muslim-majority countries have completely outlawed polygamy. "Some Tunisians support customary marriage," he said. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. 2021 Al-Monitor, LLC. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956, the same year it gained official independence. A TV series on polygamy, broadcast during Ramadan, is sparking controversy in Tunisia, an Arab country that pioneered women`s rights, where several unions have been banned for decades. Turkey banned the practice in 1926, while the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq banned polygamy in 2008. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The justice ministry said courts examined 1,718 cases of orfi marriage between 2015 and 2020 in the country of 12 million people. But sociologist Mohamed Jouil said the series does "not necessarily reflect Tunisian society". Both practices are punishable by up to a year in prison under the country's 1956 family code. By Achraf OUERGHEMMI (AFP) A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. Tunisia was the first Arab state to officially abolish polygamy in 1956, [1] [2] the same year of its official independence. Turkey banned the practice in 1926, while the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq banned polygamy in 2008. The Personal Status Code passed in 1956 by late Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba prohibited polygamy, raised the age of marriage for girls to 17 years old, facilitated womens ability to obtain divorce in court, and banned forced marriages for minor girls. A shocking 82% of couples file for divorce within their first year of marriage, before the honeymoon period has even had chance to fade. It provides tools to debate social issues, "talk about polygamy or orfi marriage" but "in no way threatens the achievements of women", he told AFP. Sociologist Foued Ghorbali said that while the subject remains taboo, polygamy is still an issue in Tunisia. -Tunisia-Turkey-Iran-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-UAE. Tunis is 68.82% less expensive than New York (without rent). Polygamy is a taboo issue in Tunisia and a crime punishable by law, under Article 18 of the. The conversion process can take three months or longer. It also changed the law so that divorce cases had to go through the courts, meaning a husband could no longer simply declare a marriage over. Jouil added that many Tunisians happily discuss such issues in private but are angered when they are aired in public -- where commentators are "instrumentalising" the issue for political gain. Such controversies ought to be reflected in the arts, Ghorbali said. HANOI: Five moon bears have been rescued in Vietnam from an illegal bile extraction farm, in the latest effort by authorities to eradicate a practice widely condemned for its cruelty. Talking about polygamy and Orfi marriage does not threaten the profits women have made, he told AFP. No. The author describes the obstacles to the effective practice of this civil law and to the building of democracy in the family. Activist Mohammed Nur Musa described the protest as a satanic idea aimed at mobilizing supporters of the regime and its partners to distort the Islamic Ennahda movement. This is a failed plan that will not deceive the wise Tunisian people, he added. This document has abolished polygamy and repudiation, enabled women to ask for divorce, enacted a minimum age for marriage and ordered the consent of both spouses before marriage. In front of his wife and children, he asserts that he has the right to do so in the name of Sharia, the Islamic law, which he says is "above all other laws". In general, the provisions (legislation) relating to family law in modern Muslim countries are linked to polygamous rules, something that can be classified into three. Text Alerts - Be the first to get breaking news, exclusives, and PRO content. He added however that "in my estimation, and according to my knowledge of the male gender to which I belong to, the opposite will happen because the crisis will be exacerbated by men looking for younger women, unless they accept marriage as an act of charity and kindness". Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. Free shipping for many products! Al-Monitor.com is a trusted and award-winning independent source of Middle East news and analysis, founded in 2012. He abolished polygamy, prohibited rejection, and introduced judicial divorce. Moreover, the freedom of speech that came with the end of Ben Ali's dictatorship allowed people in favour of such practices to openly say so. The series, broadcast on the private channel El Hiwar Ettounsi since the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, after the breaking of the fast, has sparked controversy by addressing two practices prohibited by Tunisian law: polygamy and religious marriage known as orfi. The PDL, a sworn enemy of Ennahdha whose dissolution it is calling for, warns against "an attack on the dignity of women if obscurantist forces are in decision-making positions". It has been connected with the chaotic state of affairs in the country. "It's not the role of drama to present a positive image of society. All done! This has increased from only 990,000 in 1994, with spinsterhood the highest among females age 25-34. TUNIS (AFP) - A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago . Tunis (AFP) - A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice . Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region. According to our city rankings, this is a good place to live with high ratings in housing, business freedom and safety. Both practices are punishable by up to a year in prison under the country's 1956 family code. It can show a point of view or phenomena in society that could be a subject of debate," he said. But sociologist Mohamed Jouil said the series does "not necessarily reflect Tunisian society". Tunisia's 2011 revolt, which overthrew Bourguiba's successor Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, brought in a parliamentary system ideologically divided between secularists and Islamist-leaning parties such as Ennahdha. The NGO has called for the intervention of the Tunisian High Audiovisual Authority (Haica), a body that controls media content. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticised by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state. Adel Elmi, head of the Tunisian Moderate Association for Awareness and Reform, formerly known as the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said in a Wednesday radio statement that marriage laws ought to be modified. Read: Tunisian union calls for another nationwide strike to press wage demands. He added that "the protest is not linked to any political entity and is not led by any associations". But sociologist Mohamed Jouil said the series does "not necessarily reflect Tunisian society". Al-Zghal said in a statement to Al-Khaleej Online that he did not call for the demonstration himself, but supports the idea because he believes there is a need to find a solution to the dilemma of spinsterhood. Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts. The birth of a child in Tunisia is an important time in the life of the Tunisian family. See also The Mufti, the national religious authority, delivers the Certificate of Conversion that must be presented to City Hall before a marriage can take place. The PDL also blames Ennahdha, politically dominant after the 2011 revolt, for a rise in "crimes" under the family code and has frequently called for its rival to be dissolved. Rights group Aswat Nissa ("Women's Voices") said polygamy and customary marriage were "forms of violence against women" and that discussing them "normalises a culture of impunity". A group of Tunisian women took to social media to call for a protest against polygamy. Moreover, the freedom of speech that came with the end of Ben Ali's dictatorship allowed people in favour of such practices to openly say so. Read: Tunisia cabinet approves equal inheritance law. TUNIS: A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. According to a recent report by Tunisias National Office for Family and Population, the country has one of the highest number of single women in the Arab world. Lawyer and rights activist Radia al-Nasrawi alleged that a prominent member of the Islamic al-Nahda Party, whose name she refused to disclose, was already married to two women. Post-independence leader Habib Bourguiba outlawed polygamy in the family code passed just five months after the country's 1956 independence from France, a piece of legislation that was nothing short of revolutionary in the Arab world at the time. But in one episode, the series' main character, Wannas, declares to his wife and children that he has the right to marry a second woman under Islamic law, which "trumps all other laws". "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence . The group has urged the country's broadcast regulator to take the programme off the air. Jouil added that many Tunisians happily discuss such issues in private but are angered when they are aired in public -- where commentators are "instrumentalising" the issue for political gain. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review: We also offer team plans. All rights reserved. Rights group Aswat Nissa ("Women's Voices") said polygamy and customary marriage were "forms of violence against women" and that discussing them "normalises a culture of impunity". Do you think polygamy should be legalised in Tunisia? Summary about cost of living in Tunis, Tunisia: A single person estimated monthly costs are 400$ (1,116DT) without rent. [2] By doing so, the king reduces the chance of dissident and rival forces developing and rising against him. The Tunisian Ramadan TV series "Baraa" has been criticised by rights activists and secular politicians over the issue of polygamy. Tunisia remains one of the few predominantly Muslim nations that has legally banned polygamy. The justice ministry said courts examined 1,718 cases of orfi marriage between 2015 and 2020 in the country of 12 million people. The sociologist denounces "a stupid instrumentalisation to gain political points". Apr 13, 2022, 11:28 AM SGT. post-revolution initiative to cancel all laws that contradict Islamic principles. This Tunisia-related article is a stub. In practice, judges give less than 5 years of imprisonment. Post-independence leader Habib Bourguiba outlawed polygamy in the family code passed just five months after the country's 1956 independence from France, a piece of legislation that was nothing short of revolutionary in the Arab world at the time. About 200 people rallied outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday evening in support of two young political activists now on the 42nd day of a hunger strike. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin! But since the Islamic al-Nahda Party came to power in October elections last year, Tunisian womens rights organizations have been apprehensive about the possibility losing some of their rights. The strongly secular Free Destourian Party (PDL) founded by one-time members of Ben Ali's ruling party has been one of the loudest voices against "Baraa", saying that "putting these questions back on the table is out of the question" and an affront to women's dignity. It can show a point of view or phenomena in society that could be a subject of debate," he said. All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. She claimed that it also indicates a lack of awareness among those who ask for it, adding that it will not affect the way of life of Tunisian society or the achievements of Tunisian women. . Tunis (AFP) A Ramadan TV series dealing with polygamy has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, an Arab pioneer in women's rights that banned the practice decades ago. APR 13, 2022 LISTEN. Sociologist Mohamed Jouili is reassuring: the series "is a work of dramatic art that does not systematically reflect Tunisian society. In current times, Tunisia is still one of the very few predominantly Islamic nations that has legally banned polygamy. After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. Only civil marriage is recognized by law. Issued on: 13/04/2022 - 04:38. "It's disappointing to see these subjects being debated," said Tunisian actress Mariem Ben Hussein. The news was announced by President of the Forum of Freedom and Citizenship, Fathi Al-Zghal, who confirmed that "the demonstration is spontaneous and comes within the framework of advocacy to solve the problem of spinsterhood in the country". After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. published : Inizia a scrivere il termine ricerca qua sopra e premi invio per iniziare la ricerca. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. 13 Apr 2022 at 10:45. PESCO, enacted five months after the country`s independence, is groundbreaking legislation that grants Tunisian women unprecedented rights in the Arab world. This places Tunisia as one of the worst divorce centres in the Arab world. E-mail: info@libraearies.com site: www.libraearies.com. After Islamist movements grew following the 2011 revolt, "religious marriage became more common" particularly among university students looking for "halal" sex, he added. "It is out of the question to discuss these issues again", since the Personal Status Code (CSP), promulgated on 13 August 1956 by former president Habib Bourguiba, "has ruled on these practices", denounced the anti-Islamist Free Destourian Party (PDL) in a statement. 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Djerbi considered calls to demonstrate against polygamy as a form of madness, a pathological phenomenon. According to the Muslim tradition, men can have up to four wives. In current times, Tunisia is still one of the very few predominantly Islamic nations that has legally banned polygamy. Some, mostly Salafi, preachers encouraged polygamy whereas others interpreted el-Tayeb's words as a call to reform the practice. He pointed out that political parties close to Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi supported these moves and called on people not to follow these calls. He had a wife in Tunisia then married another in exile and brought her with him when he got back, Nasrawi said. According to statistics from the Ministry of Justice, 1,718 "orfi" marriage cases were examined by the country's courts between 2015 and 2020. The group has urged the country's broadcast regulator to take the programme off the air. The justice ministry said courts examined 1,718 cases of orfi marriage between 2015 and 2020 in the country of 12 million people. Ben Faraj told Alkhaleej Online that "polygamy will open the door to the emergence of new social problems that do not exist today," pointing out that "the implementation of this idea is almost impossible in Tunisia, as polygamy had not exceeded 5 per cent since it was allowed centuries ago". Marriage may occur between: Foreign non-Muslim men and Tunisian Muslim women provided the man converts. After the rise of Islamist movements following the fall of the regime of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, according to the expert, "religious marriage has spread in academic circles", especially among students who resort to it to live as a couple with religious validation. For example, the first wife has to approve before her husband is allowed to remarry, he said. More women are graduating from university. Ini Game Ending Paling Gila" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUvnmEXace4 --~--Many Demo Women Ask for Polygamy | Interes. In current times, Tunisia is still one of the very few predominantly Islamic nations that has legally banned polygamy, another notable nation being Turkey . The report revealed that the number of single women has increased to more than 2.25 million, out of a total of 4.9 million females in the country. For the LDP, "these crimes" (polygamy and customary marriage, editor's note), punishable by one year's imprisonment, have reappeared in Tunisian society since the Islamist-inspired party Ennahdha came to power in 2011. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956,[1] the same year it gained official independence. This can be difficult to do if polygamy is illegal. "Some Tunisians support customary marriage," he said. yes its very possible to get married in tunisia, but rather complex, you need to go to, the City Hall Registry Office Bureau de lEtat Civil a la Municipalite you also need to follow the rules of what is required to get married in tunisia, these rules are set laws. Read: Tunisia women recount torture in 'transitional justice' trials. "Baraa" (Arabic for "innocence") has also been criticised by rights activists and secular politicians for its portrayal of customary "orfi" marriage, religious unions not sanctioned by the state. Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "The over-reactions to the series are trying to convince people that everything related to Islam is backwards," the 28-year-old said. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The main character of the series "Baraa" (Innocence), Wannas, beats a rosary and demands, from the third episode onwards, to be united with a second wife. Lgj 1, Rruga Taulantia, Durres Albania Premi ESC per annullare. Nasrawi added that the first wife filed a lawsuit against him with the court of Nabeul in northeastern Tunisia, but no measures have been taken against him so far. The Tunisian Ramadan TV series Baraa has sparked a backlash on social media. Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956,[1] the same year it gained official independence. A number of activists believe the call for polygamy was motivated by political parties in order to target the Islamic Ennahda movement and distort its image before the upcoming elections. However, a group of women have taken to social media to call for a protest to be held in front of parliament to demand polygamy. . Tunisia became the first Arab state to formally abolish polygamy in 1956, the same year it gained official independence. The strongly secular Free Destourian Party (PDL) founded by one-time members of Ben Ali's ruling party has been one of the loudest voices against "Baraa", saying that "putting these questions back on the table is out of the question" and an affront to women's dignity. The accomplice (i.e., the third partner in the crime) is punished with the same penalties as the guilty wife or husband.