On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced lawyer and former presidential candidate Samir Abdelli to 18 years in prison. Abdelli, who was arrested in 2024 and subsequently detained, faced charges related to terrorism and money laundering. In the same case, his personal driver received a three-year prison sentence, and his secretary, who appeared freely, was sentenced to two years in prison. The specialized indictment chamber at the Tunis Court of Appeal had previously referred Abdelli, his driver, and his secretary to the criminal chamber for trial on charges of terrorism-related crimes and money laundering. This judgment was rendered at first instance and is subject to appeal.
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A report released on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, by the Intersection association for rights and freedoms, details an increase in restrictions and prosecutions against Tunisian civil society over the past two years. Titled "Civil society facing repression: violations targeting associations from May 2024 to the end of May 2026," the document identifies 88 cases of violations affecting associations, activists, and human rights defenders. The report, which covers the period from May 2024 to the end of May 2026, notes 47 cases of restrictions and prosecutions against associations and organizations, and 41 legal proceedings initiated against activists, association leaders, and human rights defenders. Eight individuals have been detained, while 34 others are being prosecuted but remain free. Seven first-instance judgments have been issued against activists. Administratively, 22 decisions to suspend association activities for one month were recorded. Two organizations, Manamti and Al Khatt, face legal proceedings for dissolution. The report highlights the cases of Saadia Mosbah, president of the Manamti association, who was arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison despite a financial audit reportedly finding no irregularities, and Abdallah Sa茂d, president of the Enfants de la Lune association, who remains detained after a one-year prison sentence in the first instance. Intersection identifies four forms of pressure: using anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering laws against civi
The Association of Tunisian Doctors in Germany has strongly criticized the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's response regarding the equivalency of diplomas for Tunisian doctors trained abroad. In a statement released on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the association described the ministry's response as "succinct and selective" and called for a reform of the equivalency system as part of a national strategy to attract Tunisian medical professionals established in Germany. The association clarified that Tunisian doctors completing their training in Germany receive a German specialty diploma, recognized at the European level and issued by the Medical Council of the respective Land. They argue that the ministry's characterization of this title as a "certificate of competence" is "misleading" and does not reflect its value or international recognition. The association also contested the ministry's interpretation of Article 16 of the 2023 decree on equivalencies, stating that the text allows for doctors to "may" be exempted from certain procedures after five years of practice, which they believe grants too much administrative discretion without uniform criteria. They advocate for immediate and automatic recognition of the German specialty diploma, without the five-year practice requirement or an evaluation exam, proposing instead a short adaptation period of up to six months to familiarize doctors with Tunisian protocols. The association also supports shared practice m
A new bill has been submitted to the Tunisian Parliament to ensure the effective execution of judicial decisions and penalties, and to criminalize acts that obstruct their implementation. Member of Parliament Fatma Mseddi announced on July 7, 2026, via Facebook, that the text, registered as number 44/2026, has been sent to the General Legislation Committee of the Assembly of People's Representatives for review. Speaking on Mosa茂que FM on July 8, Mseddi explained that the initiative addresses the ongoing issue of unexecuted judicial decisions in both criminal and administrative justice. She highlighted a legal vacuum that currently prevents adequate punishment for those responsible for non-execution, noting that many decisions remain unenforced. Mseddi stated that the current legal framework is insufficient, with penalties for such offenses limited to two weeks imprisonment and a four-dinar fine. The proposal also includes specific provisions for cases involving public officials or similar individuals, suggesting stricter penalties when obstruction comes from a public servant or official. The bill will now be examined by the General Legislation Committee before potentially being scheduled for a plenary session.