July 26, 2026
On the fifth anniversary of the exceptional measures announced by Tunisian President Kais Saied on July 25, 2021, which included the dissolution of Parliament and the suspension of the constitutional order, the Arab Foundation for the Support of Civil Society and Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the continued deterioration of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms in Tunisia.
These measures marked a dangerous turning point in the democratic transition that began following Tunisia’s 2011 Revolution. Since then, the country has witnessed an accelerating decline in judicial independence, the erosion of the principle of separation of powers, and increasing restrictions on public freedoms, particularly the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, in violation of Tunisia’s international human rights obligations
Over the past five years, political opponents, journalists, lawyers, civil society activists, and human rights defenders have increasingly been subjected to criminal prosecutions and judicial proceedings aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Prison sentences have been handed down against a number of political and human rights figures, most notably Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahda Movement, and former Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki, in addition to hundreds of opposition figures and civil society activists. These developments raise serious concerns regarding respect for fair trial guarantees and the independence of the judiciary.
The Arab Foundation stresses that these practices are inconsistent with Tunisia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Article 19, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, as well as Articles 21 and 22, which protect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association
The Foundation further emphasizes that Tunisia’s stability cannot be achieved through the exclusion of political opponents or the restriction of fundamental freedoms. Rather, lasting stability depends on respect for the rule of law, an independent judiciary, political pluralism, and full compliance with international human rights standards.
On this occasion, the Arab Foundation calls on the Tunisian authorities to
Immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained solely for their opinions or their peaceful political or human rights activities.
End all politically motivated judicial proceedings and convictions against political opponents, human rights defenders, and political activists
Cease using the judiciary as a tool to target political opponents and guarantee the full independence of the judicial authority
Respect freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of the press, and the rights to association and peaceful civic activity, in accordance with Tunisia’s international obligations
End all forms of harassment and restrictions targeting civil society organizations and human rights defenders
Guarantee the right of all citizens to participate in political life without discrimination, intimidation, or prosecution
The Arab Foundation remains deeply concerned by the continued dismantling of Tunisia’s democratic process. In this context, it calls for
The launch of a comprehensive and inclusive national dialogue involving all political and social forces, as well as civil society organizations, with the aim of restoring the democratic transition.
The reconstruction of constitutional institutions based on the principles of separation of powers, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Continued engagement by the international community in supporting the fundamental rights of the Tunisian people and urging the Tunisian authorities to fulfill their international human rights obligations.
