Tunisia in the judicial chaos: opposition process threatens freedom!

Tunisia in the judicial chaos: opposition process threatens freedom!

In Tunisia, a highly controversial process against over 40 oppositioners and critics found its continuation on March 4, 2025. The accused are accused of consolidating against state security and have to expect serious legal consequences, including the death penalty, which is currently exposed to in Tunisia. Among the defendants are former diplomats, media personalities and members of the Ennahda Party, all of which represent a worrying setback for democracy in the country, such as Al Jazera reported.

The process, which is seen as a psychological pressure against opposition and civil society, has triggered nationwide protests. Hundreds of people were on the streets in Tunis, kept photos of the detainees and demanded their release. The charges against the accused, including "Conspiracy against the State" and "belonging to a terrorist group", are considered politically motivated by many observers. President Kais Saied described the accused as "traitor and terrorist" and sees himself as a victim of a coup that he overcome in 2021.

No participation for some accused

nine defendants were judged as "too dangerous" in order to be able to participate in the process, which reinforced the concerns about fair procedures. Some of the accused who have been in custody for more than two years are also accused of maintaining illegal connections to foreign parties. In recent years, the government under Saied has increased control over the judiciary, which has led to an erosion of independent case law, as critics and human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, note.

Amnesty International has also found that human rights in Tunisia have been under great pressure since Saied's takeover. Dozens of oppositioners and critics were detained, while the independence of the judiciary and the institutional human rights guarantees are increasingly at risk. These measures are criticized by international human rights organizations as systematic injuries, which are directly related to the political agenda of Saied. The UN has asked the Tunisian authorities to put an end to the persecution of activists and opposition politicians, which was rejected by the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

public reactions and international concerns

The increase in protests and international pressure raises questions about the legitimacy of the procedure, while the public in Tunisia is increasingly concerned about its freedom of expression and future political stability. Saied's measures are presented by his supporters as necessary to stabilize a country that has to struggle with inflation, unemployment and corruption. But critics emphasize that this strategy leads to a centralized power structure and a threatening political culture.

The international community sees itself as responsibility to defend human rights in Tunisia. The cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union in migration issues, which aims to stop migration and outsource responsibility, was sharply criticized by human rights organizations. Amnesty International warns that the EU could be responsible for future human rights violations within Tunisia.