🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Dalila Msaddek's European Parliament address on Tunisian judicial situation sparks strong reactions in Tunis
via Business News3 min read
Lawyer Dalila Ben Mbarek Msaddek's address to the European Parliament's Human Rights Commission on Friday, April 17, 2026, has generated significant reactions in Tunisia, particularly within government-aligned circles, where it was criticized as an appeal for foreign interference. During her hearing, Msaddek presented an alarming picture of the judicial situation in Tunisia since July 25, 2021, stating that discussing fair trials could lead to criminal prosecution, citing procedures against herself for public stances. She described the judicial system as deeply compromised, highlighting "accused without crime," "crimes without evidence," and "heavy sentences without effective defense," asserting these are systemic issues, not isolated incidents. A significant portion of her intervention focused on the alleged "conspiracy" case against state security, which she presented as emblematic of these abuses. She mentioned serious accusations, including attempted presidential assassination and alleged ties to foreign diplomats, while claiming no material evidence exists in the case file. She also pointed to the use of anonymous testimonies and the lack of hearings for the accused since their detention in February 2023. Several political figures and civil society members have received heavy sentences in this context, including her brother, constitutionalist Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison and is currently on a hunger strike. Msaddek called on the European Un
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A recent exchange between Zouhair Maghzaoui, Secretary General of the Echaâb Movement, and former Head of Government Hichem Mechichi has reignited debate about the responsibility of political parties in the period before July 25, 2021. On Friday, April 17, 2026, Maghzaoui described the pre-July 25 democracy as "corrupt" and "empty of all social content," stating that support for the July 25 political shift aimed to establish a "true democracy" based on social programs and justice, though he admitted this transformation has not occurred. He downplayed current divisions, suggesting broad agreement on fighting corruption, establishing a social state, and combating monopolies. Hichem Mechichi responded by recalling a personal encounter where Maghzaoui allegedly requested the appointment of a relative to lead the Kebili governorate, stating, "It was indeed corrupt, this democracy that allowed people like you to access its institutions." This exchange highlights the Echaâb Movement's role in the period now criticized, as the party was part of the parliamentary democratic bloc, participated in the majority, and was included in the executive, notably in the government of Elyes Fakhfakh. The article suggests that the "corrupt democracy" denounced by Maghzaoui is one to which his party contributed, raising questions about accountability for past actions within a system now widely criticized in political discourse.
Must ReadThe situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has escalated again after contradictory statements from Washington and Tehran. On Friday, April 17, 2026, Iranian authorities announced the full reopening of the strait during ongoing negotiations, a move seemingly confirmed by US President Donald Trump, who acknowledged the resumption of commercial navigation. However, Trump also stated that the naval blockade on Iranian ports would remain, citing it as leverage in discussions, particularly concerning Tehran's nuclear program. This decision prompted a strong reaction from Iran. On Saturday, April 18, the Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command, in a statement relayed by official media, denounced the blockade as an act of "piracy" and declared that the Strait of Hormuz had returned to its "previous state," now under the "strict management and control of the armed forces." Tehran is now conditioning any effective reopening on the lifting of the American blockade, demanding the restoration of "complete freedom of navigation" for vessels to and from its ports. This reversal immediately revives uncertainties about the real status of this essential maritime route, through which nearly 20% of global oil supplies transited before the tensions. This sequence highlights a fundamental divergence: Washington speaks of opening the strait while maintaining maximum economic pressure, while Tehran believes this opening is meaningless as long as its own commercial flows remain obstructed. In a cont
Must ReadStatements from the United States and Iran present contradictory versions regarding a potential nuclear agreement and regional tensions. Washington suggests rapid progress towards a deal and a possible meeting this weekend. US President Donald Trump claims Iran has agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear program without recovering frozen funds, stating that essential points of an agreement are "finalized" and a conclusion could come very quickly. He even mentioned the possibility of direct discussions with Tehran this weekend, implying a meeting between delegations could occur in the coming days. Trump assured that no major sticking points remain and an agreement could be sealed "within a day or two." He also mentioned a possible trip to Pakistan for the signing of an agreement, though this scenario lacks official confirmation. In contrast, Iranian authorities have issued a firm denial. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected any idea of transferring enriched uranium stockpiles, stating these materials "will never leave Iranian soil." Tehran also accuses Washington of repeated contradictions and misinformation. Iranian officials believe American statements are "riddled with contradictions and lies," interpreting these positions as a sign of weakening American strategy. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran asserts that managing maritime traffic is exclusively within its authority and cannot be influenced by public statements or so
Fethi Zouhaier Nouri, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia BCT, has called for rapid stabilization mechanisms to support vulnerable economies, including Tunisia, during the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund IMF and the World Bank Group in Washington. Nouri highlighted that the global economy is in a state of "permanent and interconnected crises," with uncertainty as the new norm. He noted that despite a shared international diagnosis, the effects of these crises are deeply unequal, disproportionately impacting vulnerable economies through inflationary pressures, strain on foreign exchange reserves, and currency depreciation. Tunisia, having experienced multiple crises, has shown resilience but faces persistent structural fragilities, including high energy price sensitivity and constrained budgetary margins. The IMF's latest analyses confirm Tunisia's vulnerability, with projected limited growth of around 2.1% in 2026 and inflation exceeding 6%. Nouri advocated for a coordinated and more responsive international approach, urging the IMF to enhance its crisis anticipation, prevention, and contagion limitation capabilities. He also emphasized the need for a more equitable international framework, allowing vulnerable economies the necessary time and space to absorb shocks and pursue structural reforms. Tunisia's participation in these meetings aims to secure financing and maintain dialogue with international partners, especially as discussions with the IMF for