Issued on: April 28, 2026
The Arab Foundation for the Support of Civil Society and Human Rights expresses its condemnation of the decision to suspend the activities of the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights, issued by the President of the Court of First Instance in Tunis, which mandates the suspension of the League’s activities for one month. The Foundation affirms its full solidarity with the League.
The decision to halt the League’s activities constitutes a blatant violation of freedom of association and a serious breach of the Tunisian Constitution, as well as Decree No. 88 of 2011, and Tunisia’s international human rights obligations.
In recent months, the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights has been prevented from visiting prisons to monitor the conditions of detainees in several cities, which it considered an infringement on its right to oversight and to follow up on prisoners’ conditions.
The League—one of the Quartet of civil society organizations awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015—is among the most prominent critics of President Kais Saied.
Founded in 1976, the League is widely regarded as one of the last bastions of human rights defense in Tunisia and one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the Arab world and Africa.
This decision comes within a broader pattern of human rights violations in recent years, including the issuance of judicial rulings against Tunisian politicians, activists, and lawyers, as well as increasing restrictions on civil society organizations.
In this context, the Foundation also condemns the issuance of a judicial ruling sentencing Judge Anas Hammadi, President of the Judges’ Association, to one year in prison on charges of “obstructing freedom of work,” in connection with his role in supporting a strike called by judicial bodies in protest against the dismissal of 57 judges by presidential decree, without respect for minimum legal guarantees and the right to defense.
Additionally, numerous prison sentences have been issued against dozens of opposition figures and Tunisian businessmen in the so-called “conspiracy against state security” case, amid concerns over the lack of fair trial standards. On Saturday, April 19, the Court of First Instance issued prison sentences ranging from 13 to 66 years against approximately 40 individuals, including Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi, opposition leaders, businessmen, and lawyers, amid heavy security measures and the exclusion of media coverage.
Observers have considered the trial to lack the minimum standards of justice and transparency. Lawyers also objected before the judge after the charges were read and referred for deliberation without any pleadings from the defense.
The Foundation expresses its concern over the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in Tunisia since 2021, which has reflected increasing executive control over the legislative and judicial authorities.
The Foundation calls on the Tunisian authorities to respect their obligations under international human rights instruments, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on
.Human and People’ Rights
Finally, the Arab Foundation calls on the Tunisian authorities to take the following steps
Lift the suspension imposed on the Tunisian Human Rights League and ensure the freedom of civil society organizations to operate without interference or arbitrary restrictions.
Immediately release Anas Hammadi and all individuals detained for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental rights
Guarantee the independence of the judiciary and end any interference or pressure exerted on judges
Review judicial rulings in politically motivated cases or those related to freedom of expression, ensuring their compliance with fair trial standards.
End the prosecution of journalists and activists, and respect freedom of opinion and expression.
