🇹🇳TunisiaNorth Africa
Petition supports Chawki Tabib, denounces "instrumentalization of justice
via Business News4 min read
A solidarity petition has been launched in support of Chawki Tabib following the issuance of a detention order against him on April 14, 2026. Signatories express full support for the former president and his family, condemning years of smear campaigns that have culminated in his incarceration. The detention order stems from an investigation by the economic and financial judicial division, which also includes freezing his assets. The public prosecutor's office initiated a judicial inquiry into suspicions of abuse of office by an agent assimilated to a public official, illegal management of public funds, embezzlement, and money laundering. These proceedings are based on audits by the Court of Accounts, which allegedly found irregularities in the management of the National Anti-Corruption Authority, where Chawki Tabib served as president. The petition's initiators believe the legal actions against Chawki Tabib lack "minimal guarantees of justice and fairness," viewing them as political retribution amid increasing pressure on the judiciary and a decline in its independence. Signatories also voice concern over the deterioration of public and individual liberties in Tunisia, rejecting any instrumentalization of justice to restrict opinions or target opponents. The petition demands Chawki Tabib's immediate and unconditional release, the liberation of all political prisoners and prisoners of opinion, and the guarantee of judicial independence. Notable signatories include Business New
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Must ReadA widely shared video on Facebook has caused outrage in Tunisia, with many interpreting it as proof that the Tunisian government plans to offer 86,000 jobs to sub-Saharan migrants. This claim has fueled public anger, particularly given the country's economic crisis and high unemployment rates. However, an investigation reveals that the assertion is misleading. The video is an old extract from a Tunisian television report dated December 15, 2022. The original report did not mention a government decision to allocate 86,000 positions to African migrants. Instead, the director of the Institute of Business Leaders explained that there are over 86,000 vacant positions in Tunisian companies due to a lack of available labor or candidates in specific sectors. Therefore, the figure refers to existing job vacancies in Tunisia, not a program specifically designed to assign these jobs to sub-Saharan migrants. The video's current circulation is based on a distorted interpretation, creating confusion and exacerbating social tensions by presenting it as a recent decision and a "gift" to migrants.
Must ReadThe Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES announced on Monday, April 20, 2026, that its treasurer was prevented from leaving Tunisia on Sunday at Tunis-Carthage Airport. He was scheduled to participate in an international activity related to migration issues. According to the forum, the individual was intercepted on April 19 and received a summons to appear before the national research unit for complex financial crimes. This measure is part of an ongoing investigation targeting the organization since April 2025. On Monday, April 20, the FTDES treasurer appeared before the relevant services, where he was informed that his hearing was a continuation of ongoing investigations. The forum stated that he answered all questions concerning the organization's activities, funding sources, and financial management mechanisms. Following this hearing, he received a new summons for Friday, April 24, 2026. This summons, according to the statement, included the same documents that had already been examined by competent services, notably the research and anti-tax evasion brigade of the General Directorate of Taxes at the Ministry of Finance. In its statement, the FTDES affirmed that it is following the case "with transparency" and is committed to informing the public of any procedures targeting its activities. The organization emphasized its "full respect for the law" and assured the regularity of its administrative and financial management, in accordance with the provisions of
The Tunisian cinema sector is experiencing significant delays in obtaining filming authorizations, leading to a standstill in production. Professionals attribute this issue to the centralization of signature authority within the cabinet of Amina Srarfi, the Minister of Cultural Affairs. The Independent Union of Directors and Producers SIRP issued a statement on Monday, April 20, 2026, condemning what it describes as an unjustified disruption to the authorization service. The SIRP states that these authorizations were previously granted within reasonable timeframes by the competent administration, following established procedures. The union expresses serious concerns that this situation will hinder audiovisual and cinematic activity, particularly when responsiveness and administrative simplification are crucial for industry operators. According to the SIRP, filming authorizations are now being sent to Minister Srarfi's cabinet for signature, a process deemed unusual that extends processing times. This new administrative arrangement has resulted in delays, prejudice to applicants, and disruption of ongoing projects. Professionals emphasize that authorization timelines are critical for planning shoots, mobilizing teams, reserving equipment, and coordinating locations. The SIRP argues that this approach contradicts administrative modernization principles and anti-bureaucracy objectives. The union calls on authorities to urgently restore the normal functioning of the service, allo
Tunisia's Ministry of Commerce and Export Development announced on Monday, April 20, 2026, the reactivation of the National Council for Combating Counterfeiting. This move comes in response to the widespread circulation of counterfeit goods, including imitation clothing, fake perfumes, cosmetics, and pirated content, across various sectors from weekly markets to online sales. The ministry stated that this relaunch, marked by the first meeting of the year presided over by Samir Abid, aims to strengthen intellectual property protection and more effectively address counterfeiting and piracy. The initiative seeks to renew national efforts to identify these practices, propose solutions, and improve the legal and institutional framework. The ministry emphasized the importance of protecting innovation, improving the business climate, supporting investment, and fostering economic growth. Authorities recognize that counterfeiting and piracy now extend beyond traditional channels to industrial, technological, and digital commerce sectors, sometimes with organized cross-border implications. The ministry calls for enhanced cooperation among Tunisian administrations and improved international coordination to mitigate the economic and social impacts of these practices. Counterfeiting in Tunisia affects numerous market segments, including clothing, footwear, perfumes, beauty products, electronics, and pirated digital content and software. These items are sold in markets, informal stalls, an