Tunisia - April 2025

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