In August, the government dissolved the National Authority for Access to Information (INAI), an independent body established in 2016 to ensure citizens and journalists could access official information. Civil society organizations have warned that its closure will significantly diminish transparency and hinder public oversight of government actions, as the agency had served as a key channel for requesting and obtaining official data and government reports. Composed of nine members, INAI also provided expert opinions on draft legislation related to access to information.

Sources: The New Arab, Le Monde, L’Économiste Maghrébin, Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

On 19 April, the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced 37 individuals, including opposition figures, activists, lawyers, and businesspeople, to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years. They were convicted on charges of ‘conspiracy against state security’ and ‘belonging to a terrorist group.’ Authorities allege that following organised opposition actions after the 2021 declaration of a state of emergency they had plotted to overthrow the government. Among those convicted were prominent members of the National Salvation Front and the Ennahdha party. The mass trial, which began on 4 March, was according to rights groups marred by procedural irregularities, including the denial of court appearances for some defendants and the exclusion of public and diplomatic observers. Many of the accused also faced extended periods of pretrial detention, while others were tried in absentia. Human rights organizations have condemned the proceedings as a violation of due process and described the trial as a means to suppress political dissent through the judicial system. 

Sources: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, Gulf Centre for Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch 

In April, authorities launched a large-scale operation to dismantle informal migrant camps in coastal and central-eastern regions, particularly affecting El Amra and Jebeniana near the port city of Sfax, known key transit points for migrants attempting to reach Europe. The operations displaced thousands, leaving many without shelter. Early in the month, security forces began raiding camps estimated to house around 20,000 people from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. By 5 April, the National Guard confirmed the dismantling of two major camps, including one that had sheltered approximately 4,000. Reports of violence surfaced during the operations, including the burning of tents and other informal structures in El Amra on 24 April. As conditions worsen, the country has seen a rise in ‘voluntary returns’ as migrants opt to return to their countries of origin. The government stated that dismantling the camps is intended to prevent migrants from dwelling on privately owned land, following protests by local residents. 

Sources: La Presse, Le Monde (1), InfoMigrants, Tunisie numerique, Le Monde (2), Africa News 

On 7 March, the government announced its decision to withdraw its declaration under Article 34(6) of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which previously allowed individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bring cases directly before the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. This move means that, starting in March 2026, individuals and NGOs will no longer have the right to file cases against the state before the Court, limiting their available avenues for seeking justice for human rights violations. The government did not provide an official rationale for this decision, which has been met with criticism from human rights and civil society groups. In recent years, the Court had ruled on several cases involving Tunisia, including a 2023 case in which it ordered provisional measures for medical care and legal representation for four detained opposition figures. The ruling, however, is yet to be implemented by the government. 

Sources: Tunisia’s Permanent Mission to the African Union, Centre pour le Respect des Libertes et des Droits de l’Homme en Tunisie, Human Rights Watch, African Court on Human and People’s Rights, Temple Garden Chambers

In November, a court of first instance in Tunis sentenced several Tunisian social media influencers, with terms ranging from 18 months to four and a half years. They were convicted of public indecency for content posted online. These convictions followed a directive issued by the Ministry of Justice on 27 October, informally known as the ‘TikTok Law,’ which authorizes prosecutors to use existing criminal law to prosecute individuals who create or share social media content that conflicts with ‘social values.’ While authorities have said the directive is designed to limit the spread of vulgar language and explicit imagery online, critics warn its vague terms may result in it being applied more broadly and that it could further undermine freedom of expression on digital platforms. These convictions did not relate to political content.

Sources: Business News, The New Arab, Le Monde