Tunisia: Tunisia's Rights Defenders Decry Civil Society Crackdown
[DW] Five years into the authoritarian rule of Tunisian President Kais Saied, Human Rights Watch and other activists warn that Tunisia's once vibrant civil society is in danger of being completely stifled.
Tunisian civil society organizations are expressing alarm over a crackdown on dissent, according to human rights defenders. Messaoud Romdhani, a human rights activist, reported that authorities are accusing organizations of money laundering, leading to their suspension. Activists have become wary of speaking publicly or tackling sensitive issues due to the chilling effect of potential prosecution or detention.
Human Rights Watch's latest report suggests that President Kais Saied is intentionally dismantling Tunisia's civil society, employing arbitrary prosecutions, detentions, and financial investigations to stifle opposition and independent voices. The government has targeted civil society groups for their role in holding power accountable and delivering essential services.
Despite Saied's democratic election in 2019, he has since dissolved parliament, dismantled democratic bodies, and repressed political dissent. While some people continue to protest, there is a generational divide in Tunisia, with older, less educated individuals expressing more trust in the government and institutions compared to younger, better-educated citizens.
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