Sousse lawyers strike over judicial system deterioration

Lawyers in Sousse observed a general strike on Thursday, April 16, 2026, paralyzing courts in the region. This action, decided by the Bar Council on April 7, protests the perceived alarming degradation of public justice services. Lawyers gathered at the Sousse 1 Court of First Instance, responding to the call of regional section president Me Zouheir Belhaj Amor, and held a demonstration. Their demands center on a critical shortage of human resources, including magistrates and administrative staff. They highlight an unsustainable situation where a more than 30% increase in case volume contrasts with stagnant or declining resources. The regional president described a judicial system "in peril" with exhausting working conditions and late-night hearings, compromising basic rights. He also noted the lack of new judicial staff and the uncompensated departure of many clerks, exacerbating administrative delays. Lawyers also oppose the continued use of videoconferencing in criminal cases, arguing it undermines fair trial guarantees by limiting direct interaction. They emphasize that physical presence is essential for defense rights. While supporting judicial reform, the lawyers stated their movement is not political or corporatist, but focused on the interests of litigants and ensuring dignified and acceptable justice. They maintained minimum service for urgent cases to demonstrate their sense of responsibility.