Omanghana
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations and the international community to take stronger action against what it describes as an escalating crackdown on civil society in Tunisia, warning that continued international silence risks emboldening further restrictions on fundamental freedoms.
Addressing the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, HRW accused the government of President Kais Saied of increasingly using the justice system to target journalists, lawyers, political opponents, and human rights defenders through prosecutions that the organization says are politically motivated.
Long Prison Sentences Spark International Concern
HRW’s latest appeal follows a series of court rulings against prominent civil society figures in Tunisia.
Among the most notable cases is Sihem Bensedrine, the former president of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison and ordered to pay a joint fine reportedly amounting to approximately $600 million.
Another high-profile case involves Saadia Mosbah, president of the anti-racism organization Mnemty, which advocates for Black Tunisians and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. She received an eight-year prison sentence and was fined approximately $41,400.
In addition, five other members of Mnemty were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one to three years in connection with charges linked to the organization’s humanitarian and anti-discrimination activities.
HRW Alleges Systematic Restrictions on Civil Society
According to Human Rights Watch, Tunisian authorities have increasingly relied on Decree No. 54, a controversial cybercrime law, to prosecute individuals over speech and online expression.
The organization also says authorities have expanded administrative measures targeting independent civil society groups.
Between July 2025 and April 2026, HRW reports that Tunisian courts suspended or dissolved at least 25 independent associations.
Organizations reportedly affected include the Tunisian League for Human Rights, Aswat Nissa, I Watch, and the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women, all of which have played prominent roles in promoting democratic governance, women’s rights, transparency, and civil liberties.
HRW further alleges that legal aid organizations assisting victims of alleged state abuses have also faced increasing pressure, limiting access to legal support.
Concerns Over Treatment of Migrants
The rights group also expressed concern over the impact of the government’s actions on organizations assisting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.
According to HRW, activists providing humanitarian assistance have faced detention and investigations related to allegations of receiving suspicious foreign funding.
The organization also cited findings by UN experts documenting reports of collective expulsions of migrants toward Tunisia’s borders with Libya and Algeria, raising concerns over deaths, injuries, and humanitarian risks associated with those operations.
Tunisian Government Rejects Allegations
During discussions at the UN Human Rights Council, the Tunisian government rejected the allegations presented by Human Rights Watch and defended its actions.
Officials dismissed the organization’s findings, maintaining their position regarding the country’s legal and judicial measures.
HRW Calls for Stronger International Response
Human Rights Watch has urged UN member states and the European Union to take a firmer stance by publicly addressing what it describes as the erosion of civil liberties in Tunisia.
The organization argues that international partners should not allow broader political considerations—including cooperation on Mediterranean migration—to overshadow concerns about freedom of expression, judicial independence, and the protection of civil society.
HRW maintains that sustained international engagement and public scrutiny will be essential to safeguarding civic space and protecting the rights of activists, journalists, and independent organizations operating in Tunisia.
Source: Omanghana
