National Union of Tunisian Journalists denounces suspension of Tunisian Human Rights League
via Business News2 min read
The National Union of Tunisian Journalists SNJT strongly reacted on Saturday, April 25, 2026, to the decision to suspend the activities of the Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH for one month. The SNJT condemned this as a "dangerous drift" and a new blow to rights and freedoms in Tunisia. In a statement, the union expressed its "absolute and unconditional solidarity" with the LTDH, considering the measure an alarming precedent and part of a growing restriction of civic space. The LTDH was notified on Friday, April 24, 2026, of the one-month suspension, with a bailiff delivering the official notice to its headquarters. The specific reasons for this decision have not yet been made public. This suspension occurs amidst a series of actions targeting several associations, organizations, and independent media in recent months, indicating an increased effort by the current government to control civil, associative, and journalistic activities. In 2025, similar measures were taken against other associations, including the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES. Other organizations, such as Mnemty, which defends minority rights, and Al Khatt, publisher of the independent media Inkyfada, are reportedly facing dissolution procedures. The SNJT highlighted the LTDH's symbolic importance as a historical pillar of human rights in Tunisia, interpreting its targeting as a direct attack on the foundations of democratic life. The
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Must ReadA Facebook post claiming Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed called for the immediate protection, employment, and permanent residency for undocumented African migrants has been widely shared and debated. However, an investigation into the claim found no official statements from the Presidency, Kaïs Saïed, or any recent government decisions confirming such a measure. No Tunisian institutional source has announced the automatic granting of permanent residency cards to sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia. The phrasing of the post is misleading, presenting unconfirmed information as an official decision. Official communications from the presidency, government, or relevant ministries do not contain any announcement corresponding to the shared visual's content. The granting of a permanent residence permit would require a precise legal framework, clearly defined administrative procedures, and official communication from competent authorities, none of which are present in the viral publication. The visual itself lacks reliability indicators, citing no official sources or documents to verify the information. Therefore, there is no evidence to support the claim that Kaïs Saïed requested the immediate protection, professional integration, or permanent residency for undocumented sub-Saharan migrants as asserted in the viral post.
The specialized criminal chamber for terrorist crimes at the Tunis Court of Appeal issued its verdict on June 9, 2026, in the case of the escape of five terrorist detainees from Mornaguia Civil Prison. The court upheld the initial judgment, confirming the convictions and 38-year prison sentences for each of the five main defendants: Ahmed Melki, also known as "Somali," Ameur Balaâzi, Raed Touati, Alaa Ghazouani, and Nader Ghanmi. These individuals were involved in the October 31, 2023, escape of five dangerous detainees from Mornaguia prison. Four of them were apprehended on November 7, 2023, in the mountainous area of Boukornine, Ben Arous governorate, while the fifth was arrested two days earlier in Cité Ettadhamen, Ariana governorate. The appeals court, however, overturned the initial judgment against four prison administration agents, acquitting them. The court also confirmed the guilt of eight other defendants, reclassifying their actions as negligence by a public agent responsible for guarding an escaped detainee. Each of these eight received a two-year suspended prison sentence with a warning against reoffending. Additionally, the court increased the sentences for two other defendants to seven years in prison and reclassified the charges against seven other defendants as complicity by an agent responsible for guarding an escaped detainee, sentencing them to seven years of imprisonment.
The Swedish Embassy in Tunisia released a video on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, showcasing a symbolic moment of friendship before the upcoming football match between Tunisia and Sweden. The video features six individuals, three wearing the Tunisian national team jersey and three in the Swedish jersey, embracing warmly. The accompanying message, "Together in friendship, see you on the field," emphasizes fair play, respect, and camaraderie beyond the competition. This initiative highlights football's role as a universal language that brings people together. The highly anticipated match between Tunisia and Sweden is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 03:00 local time at Monterrey Stadium.