
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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The Tunisian National Bar Association issued a statement on Friday, July 24, 2026, expressing concern over the country's political, economic, and social situation. This statement comes amidst critical discussions about the national situation, including remarks from Slaheddine Selmi of the UGTT trade union, who criticized the country for not fulfilling its promises, citing economic and social challenges. The Bar Association, while reaffirming its commitment to republican values, freedom, justice, and the rule of law, believes the current situation's severity necessitates an alert regarding the decline in public services and the lack of adequate responses to accumulated crises. The institution highlighted rising prices, decreased purchasing power, increased unemployment and poverty, and repeated water and electricity cuts, which it views as undermining citizens' right to a dignified life. Regarding the judiciary, the Bar Association acknowledged the presidential pardon granted to 2,439 detainees but criticized the lack of transparency regarding the criteria used by the commission for special pardons and conditional releases. It also regretted the absence of defense representatives on this commission and called for prison system reform. The statement also addressed the prosecution of lawyers in the course of their professional duties, noting that some detentions raise questions about fair trial guarantees and defense rights. The institution expressed support for journalists, act
Tunisia and the United States are working to strengthen their strategic defense partnership ahead of the Tunisian-American joint military commission, scheduled for the first week of September in the United States. On Friday, July 24, 2026, Tunisia's Minister of National Defense, Khaled Shili, spoke by phone with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Daniel Zimmerman. Their discussions focused on the current state of bilateral military cooperation, prospects for its enhancement, and preparations for the upcoming joint military commission meeting. Khaled Shili highlighted the historical friendly relations between Tunisia and the United States, praising the level of military cooperation and the results of their strategic partnership, which he described as being based on trust, mutual respect, and common interest. The Minister expressed Tunisia's confidence in the work of the upcoming joint military commission, believing it will be an opportunity to assess achievements in bilateral cooperation and set priorities for the next phase to elevate the partnership. Tunisia aims to expand cooperation into areas such as strengthening operational capabilities of armed forces, developing military training programs, and intensifying collaboration in emerging fields like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, maritime security, border surveillance, and technology transfer. Khaled Shili also emphasized Tunisia's ambition to become a regional hub for mili
Italy has dispatched a Canadair water bomber aircraft to Tunisia to assist in fighting ongoing wildfires across several regions. The deployment, announced by the Italian Embassy in Tunisia on Thursday, July 24, 2026, is coordinated by the Italian government through its Civil Protection Department and falls under the European Civil Protection Mechanism. The aircraft, belonging to the Italian National Fire Brigade Corps, is activated as a rescEU-IT resource, part of the European Union's capabilities for natural disaster response in member states and partner countries. This intervention aims to bolster Tunisia's firefighting efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, as the country faces high temperatures and winds that exacerbate fire spread. The mission highlights cooperation between Tunisia, Italy, and the European Union in disaster management, coordinated with Italian institutions including the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in conjunction with the European Commission. The deployment also underscores the role of the rescEU initiative in strengthening European disaster response capabilities, especially for large-scale fires increasingly common due to climate change.