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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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Business News.
Must ReadMosaïque FM issued a warning on Saturday, April 25, 2026, regarding a fraudulent video circulating on social media. The video, which misuses the station's logo and visual identity, features a falsified sequence showing journalist Anis Morai. He is falsely depicted calling for a donation campaign for a fictional person named Zayneb. Mosaïque FM has formally denied the video's authenticity, stating it is an entirely fabricated montage generated using artificial intelligence technologies. The station highlighted that this content is a deepfake, a technique that manipulates images, voices, or videos with increasing realism, making disinformation difficult for the public to detect. Experts frequently warn about the growing risks associated with these tools, particularly concerning fraud, reputational damage, and opinion manipulation. Mosaïque FM condemned these "fraudulent and unethical" practices, emphasizing the seriousness of media identity theft for scamming purposes. The radio station also stated it reserves the right to pursue legal action against anyone involved in creating or disseminating this content.
Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH announced on Friday, April 24, 2026, that it was informed of a one-month suspension of its activities. Bassem Trifi, president of the LTDH, stated on social media that the organization, which has fought for rights and freedoms for over fifty years, "will not yield to security and judicial harassment." The LTDH, the oldest human rights organization in the Arab world and Africa, views this decision, if confirmed, as "arbitrary and dangerous," and a direct attack on freedom of association and democratic achievements. The organization believes this measure is part of increasing pressure on civil society, aiming to restrict independent and critical organizations. The LTDH also highlighted that this decision follows other recent tensions, including the suspension of an agreement related to prison visits, which it considers an obstruction to its monitoring role. Legally, the LTDH argues that the measure violates Decree-Law 88 and Tunisia's international commitments on fundamental freedoms, and intends to challenge any official decision before the competent authorities. This situation arises amid recurring tensions between authorities and civil society components concerning freedoms of organization and expression.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Committee on Industry, Trade, Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment of the Assembly of People's Representatives adopted five draft laws concerning concession agreements for electricity production from renewable energy sources, primarily photovoltaic plants. The committee, chaired by Mohamed Amine Mbareki, approved these projects by a majority vote, with Vice-President Adnane Allouch and rapporteur Mohamed Ali Fniyra also present. The parliamentary procedure included the reading of the report from the consultative committee on strategic planning and sustainable development, examination of the texts, and then a vote on the titles, the single article, and finally a global adoption. The committee subsequently mandated its bureau to finalize the report in accordance with Article 67 of the Assembly's internal regulations. These agreements address the increasing pressure on the energy model, as the country faces a growing energy bill due to its reliance on energy imports and the imperative of climate action. The use of solar energy is seen as an economic and political necessity, given the country's significant but largely unexploited solar potential and rising electricity demand. These concession projects aim to attract investment, diversify the energy mix, and gradually reduce the country's energy vulnerability.
Must ReadAmnesty International has released its annual report on the human rights situation in Tunisia, detailing developments over the past year. The report, authored by Myriam Ben Zineb, examines public freedoms, the functioning of the justice system, the activities of civil society organizations, and the treatment of migrants and refugees. It also touches on the political context under President Kaïs Saïed and the government led by Sarra Zaâfrani Zenzri. The organization describes a severe picture, noting increased repression and deviations from the rule of law in Tunisia. The full report is available online.