Tunisia's rights defenders decry civil society crackdown

Tunisia's rights defenders decry civil society crackdown

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.

Tunisia’s civil society faces growing pressure as crackdown widens

Arrests, prosecutions and suspensions are putting growing pressure on Tunisia’s civil society, Human Rights Watch says.

Tunisia: Civil Society Under Siege

Click to expand Image Tunisians hold up placards during a march organized by the Campaign Against the Criminalization of Civil Work to protest racism in Tunis, April 11, 2026. The demonstration, which includes human rights organizations, civil society groups, and activists, addresses concerns about what participants describe as a rise in racist rhetoric, as well as efforts to criminalize solidarity and civil, political, and trade union activitie…