Tunisian Human Rights League denounces Saadia Mosbah's conviction, citing institutionalization of racism
via Business News3 min read
The Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH, alongside several associations and political parties, has condemned the conviction of human rights activist and Mnemty association president, Saadia Mosbah. They view the eight-year prison sentence, confirmed by the criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal on June 23, 2026, as a step towards criminalizing associative action and human rights defense. Signatories believe the conviction targets not only Mosbah but also the values she upholds in her fight against racism, for equality, solidarity, and human dignity. They argue this occurs amid increasing hate speech and stigmatization campaigns against sub-Saharan migrants and those assisting them. The statement asserts that Mosbah supported sub-Saharan migrants after the presidential speech of February 21, 2023, on irregular migration, which they claim fueled racist discourse and violence against migrants and Black Tunisians. They suggest migrant rights defenders became targets of defamation, leading to legal action against relevant associations. The signatories also contend that the case against Mosbah is political, noting her arrest on May 6, 2024, coincided with the President's renewed criticism of certain associations during a National Security Council meeting. They state that defense evidence shows a lack of foundation for the accusations, and they denounce the disparagement campaigns and racist remarks Mosbah endured. The LTDH and other signatories reaffirm solidarity with Mosbah,
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