Tunisia's civil society faces growing pressure as crackdown widens
In a report released on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch documented escalating repression of civil society in Tunisia, including at least 47 prosecutions, 10 preventive detentions exceeding legal limits, and 14 convictions. Prominent rights defender Saadia Mosbah was sentenced to eight years. Authorities have also investigated associations' finances, suspended at least 20 groups, and used counterterrorism and money-laundering laws against activists. The crackdown has intensified since President Kais Saied's 2021 power grab, with civil society portrayed as a threat. Journalists face restrictions, and the climate of fear has reduced photojournalists by half. Human Rights Watch calls for international action to preserve civic space.
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What we know
From May to December 2024, authorities arrested several workers at groups assisting refugees and migrants.
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At least 14 people connected to civil society have been convicted and sentenced to prison after trials in 2025 and 2026.
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In February 2023, President Kais Saied described sub-Saharan refugees as part of a 'criminal plan' to change Tunisia's demographic composition.
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At least 10 people have been held in preventive detention for over 14 months, exceeding legal limits.
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Saadia Mosbah was sentenced to eight years in prison on financial crime charges on March 19.
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Human Rights Watch released a 49-page report on Wednesday documenting repression of civil society in Tunisia.
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Five employees of organizations assisting asylum seekers were convicted on charges linked to their work.
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At least 47 people connected to NGOs have been prosecuted.
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Human Rights Watch reports that Tunisian authorities have intensified pressure on civil society through arrests, prosecutions, financial investigations, and suspensions, narrowing civic space.
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