Tunisia: Tunisia's Rights Defenders Decry Civil Society Crackdown

Five years into Tunisia's authoritarian rule under President Kais Saied, civil society organizations face severe repression, according to Human Rights Watch and other activists. Most groups are in a state of shock, having been accused of money laundering and facing suspension of their activities. The chilling effect of potential suspension and prosecution has created uncertainty, discouraging activists from speaking out or working on sensitive issues.

Human Rights Watch's latest report concludes that Saied is attempting to completely shut down Tunisia's civil society, as the authorities abuse every tool to close the space for dissent. Saied, elected democratically in 2019, launched a power grab in July 2021, dismantling democratic bodies and arresting opposition figures. Despite calls for his resignation, many Tunisians remain skeptical of political alternatives and are weary of constant upheaval.