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Civil society organizations denounce political trial against Anas Hmaidi, Tunisian judges' association president
via Business News2 min read
Several civil society organizations have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as a politically motivated trial against Anas Hmaidi, president of the Tunisian Judges' Association. Hmaidi is scheduled to appear before the criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance on April 2, 2026, on charges of "obstructing freedom to work." This case stems from his involvement in a judicial strike initiated after the dismissal of 57 judges in June 2022. The signatory organizations believe this legal action is part of a broader campaign to pressure the association and judges committed to judicial independence. They highlight irregularities in the case handling, including repeated transfers between jurisdictions, the closure of the investigation without the defense fully exercising its rights, and an accelerated hearing schedule. The NGOs also link this case directly to the association's efforts to denounce judicial dismissals and advocate for an independent justice system. They criticize a climate marked by what they consider abusive prosecutions, administrative pressures, and smear campaigns against certain judges. The signatories express their support for Anas Hmaidi, calling for the abandonment of the charges against him and an end to pressure on magistrates. They also warn about the implications of this case for public freedoms and the right to a fair trial. The statement was signed by numerous organizations, including the Tunisian League for Human Rights, the
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Tunisian red shrimp exports to Italy are currently blocked, raising concerns among parliamentarians and industry stakeholders. Member of Parliament Syrine Bousandel stated on July 14, 2026, that administrative dysfunctions are jeopardizing an industry supporting thousands of families. A group of MPs has petitioned the Head of Government and contacted the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture for a resolution, but no response has been received. Bousandel indicated that Tunisia has an annual export quota for red shrimp, but the Ministry of Agriculture allegedly failed to update required documents, leading to the blockage of shipments to the Italian market. Some goods have already been returned, while others remain pending, creating uncertainty for professionals. Bousandel emphasized that this situation threatens the entire sector, from fishermen to exporters and processing unit employees, who are not responsible for the administrative errors. She also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with Italian authorities, questioning the lack of diplomatic reaction to a matter with significant economic consequences. The issue began in June when Italian authorities suspended red shrimp imports from Tunisia. The Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests reported that Tunisian-validated capture certificates showed volumes exceeding the 36,000 kg annual quota set by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. Over 50,960 kg of red shrimp we
A widely circulated Facebook post claiming the Egyptian Ministry of Health officially banned C-sections, except in extreme necessity, has been debunked as false. Investigations found no official communication from the ministry announcing such a prohibition. Instead, Egyptian health authorities have been implementing a long-standing policy to reduce medically unjustified C-sections, not to ban them. Official recommendations encourage natural childbirth when medically feasible, while maintaining C-sections for maternal or infant protection. The Egyptian Health Council's guidelines emphasize clinical evaluation by health professionals for such decisions. Egypt has a high C-section rate, prompting a national strategy to reduce unnecessary interventions through medical training and improved obstetric practices. This strategy does not include a general ban on C-sections. This rumor has been circulating on Egyptian social media since October, appearing in various forms suggesting an official decision, but no official document has confirmed it. The Egyptian authorities' policy aims to combat C-sections performed without medical indication, not to eliminate them, as C-sections remain essential in many obstetric situations.
Tunisia's Assembly of People's Representatives ARP approved two loan agreements for the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company STEG on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. These loans are intended to finance an energy sector reform program. The first bill, approving a guarantee agreement between Tunisia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development IBRD for a STEG loan, passed with 72 votes in favor, 19 against, and six abstentions. The second bill, concerning another guarantee agreement with the IBRD as the implementing entity for the Clean Technology Fund, also for STEG, was adopted with 19 votes against and six abstentions. These loans aim to improve efficiency, performance, and governance in Tunisia's energy sector, strengthen electrical infrastructure, and support renewable energy development. The adoption followed several days of parliamentary tension, including a session on Friday, July 10, being suspended and postponed. Deputy Bilel El Mechri had accused the Assembly President, Brahim Bouderbala, of delaying the vote due to strong opposition, calling the agreements "colonization loans" and alleging they would benefit foreign companies and lead to STEG's privatization.