Human Rights Watch Sounds Alarm Over Tunisia’s Growing Crackdown on Activists

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as an escalating crackdown by Tunisian authorities on political opponents, human rights defenders and civil society groups.

The organisation joined United Nations experts and several international rights groups in warning that Tunisia is facing a deepening human rights crisis, with freedoms and democratic institutions increasingly coming under pressure.

According to HRW, the situation in Tunisia has worsened significantly in the five years since President Kais Saied assumed extraordinary executive powers. The rights group argues that the country has witnessed a return to authoritarian practices that have weakened democratic gains achieved after the 2011 revolution.

Human Rights Watch said the renewed authoritarianism has resulted in the systematic repression of civil society organisations, journalists, political opponents, independent lawyers and migrants. The group also expressed concern over what it called the gradual erosion of the rule of law and judicial independence.

The organisation highlighted several recent cases involving human rights defenders who have been prosecuted and sentenced by Tunisian courts. According to HRW, eight activists have received prison sentences and substantial fines over charges linked to their human rights work.

Rights advocates say the prosecutions are part of a broader campaign aimed at silencing dissenting voices and discouraging criticism of the government. They argue that increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and civic participation are creating an environment of fear among activists and opposition figures.

During the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Human Rights Watch urged the international community to take a stronger stance against the developments in Tunisia. The organisation called on the UN Human Rights Council and its member states to publicly condemn what it described as ongoing repression by Tunisian authorities.

HRW warned that the international community’s silence could embolden the government and allow the crackdown to intensify further. The organisation said failing to speak out against the situation effectively gives Tunisian authorities a “free pass” to continue limiting fundamental rights and freedoms.

The latest warning adds to growing international concern over Tunisia’s political direction. Since President Kais Saied consolidated power, critics have accused his administration of undermining democratic institutions, weakening checks and balances, and targeting opponents through legal and administrative measures.

Supporters of the president, however, have argued that his actions were necessary to restore stability and address political paralysis and economic challenges facing the country.

Despite these differing views, rights organisations insist that protecting freedom of expression, judicial independence and civil society participation remains essential for Tunisia’s democratic future.

As pressure mounts, international observers are closely watching whether Tunisian authorities will address the concerns raised by human rights groups or continue down a path that critics say threatens the country’s democratic progress and fundamental freedoms.