Tunisia - May 2023

A series of events leading to investigations and arrests in May have raised concerns about press freedom and the continued crackdown on dissent in Tunisia. Senior opposition politician Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to one year in prison on 15 May for ‘inciting terrorism’ following his arrest in April. The following day, prominent journalist Khalifa Guesmi's prison sentence was increased from one to five years, after he was convicted on charges related to his work for ‘disclosing national security information’.  Also in May, several journalists were investigated and questioned by the police over their comments on security forces. Responding to these developments, journalists and citizens demonstrated in Tunis between 18 and 22 May calling for press freedom. Since 31 May, the judiciary has opened new probes into 20 political figures suspected of ‘conspiring against state security’, including Ghannouchi (despite his ongoing detention), and former prime minister Youssef Chahed. Local and international rights groups expressed concerns over the repressive direction of current authorities, calling on activists and civil society to ‘mobilize in defence of freedoms and human rights’.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Tunisie Numerique, Reporters Without Borders, North Africa Post (1), International IDEA Democracy Tracker, Reuters (1), North Africa Journal, Africa News, Reuters (2)

A deadly attack took place near one of Africa's oldest synagogues in Djerba on 9 May. The incident is believed to be a terrorist attack carried out by a member of the national guard and resulted in the death of five people. Tunisian authorities asserted that the attack was premeditated and arrested several individuals in connection with the assault. President Kais Saied condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities and the broader security situation in Tunisia.

Sources: National Public Radio, Al Jazeera, Le Monde, North Africa Journal, Foreign Policy, Africa News