A Tunisian court has sentenced human rights activist Saadia Mosbah to eight years in prison and fined her £26,000 ($35,000). Mosbah, who leads the anti-racism group Mnèmty, was arrested in May 2024 and charged with money laundering and illicit enrichment. The 66-year-old has been a prominent advocate for sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, especially after President Kais Saied's controversial speech in 2023 describing 'hordes of illegal migrants' as a demographic threat.
Since President Saied dissolved parliament in 2021, there have been warnings from opposition figures and rights groups about a steady erosion of rights and freedoms in Tunisia. Mosbah's lawyer, Hela Ben Salem, expressed shock at the verdict, stating it reflects efforts to dismantle civil society groups and shift responsibility for state failures onto them.
Rights organizations have highlighted the prosecution of Mosbah as a continuation of a broader pattern of repression against civil society in the country. Authorities have previously suspended activities of several leading civil society organizations, citing issues related to foreign funding.
During the trial, Mosbah's defense team argued for her innocence, stating that she and other activists were being unjustly targeted. Additionally, Mosbah's son received a three-year prison sentence, while another campaigner got a two-year term.
Human rights advocacy groups have urged Tunisian authorities for her immediate release, citing her age and health concerns, and expressing fears that the ruling could further jeopardize humanitarian efforts and independent advocacy within the country, especially as Tunisia faces increasing migration flows.
Since President Saied dissolved parliament in 2021, there have been warnings from opposition figures and rights groups about a steady erosion of rights and freedoms in Tunisia. Mosbah's lawyer, Hela Ben Salem, expressed shock at the verdict, stating it reflects efforts to dismantle civil society groups and shift responsibility for state failures onto them.
Rights organizations have highlighted the prosecution of Mosbah as a continuation of a broader pattern of repression against civil society in the country. Authorities have previously suspended activities of several leading civil society organizations, citing issues related to foreign funding.
During the trial, Mosbah's defense team argued for her innocence, stating that she and other activists were being unjustly targeted. Additionally, Mosbah's son received a three-year prison sentence, while another campaigner got a two-year term.
Human rights advocacy groups have urged Tunisian authorities for her immediate release, citing her age and health concerns, and expressing fears that the ruling could further jeopardize humanitarian efforts and independent advocacy within the country, especially as Tunisia faces increasing migration flows.
