Amnesty International has issued a strong appeal to Tunisian authorities to revoke what it describes as “unjust convictions and sentences” in a high-profile conspiracy case against several activists, politicians, and lawyers, emphasizing the detrimental impact on human rights. The call for action follows convictions in April 2025 of 37 individuals, including prominent figures such as Khayyam Turki, Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, and Nouredinne Bihri, with prison terms extending up to 66 years. Amnesty’s Sara Hashash highlighted the compromised rights to a fair trial, criticizing the authorities for holding remote trials and denying defendants courtroom presence. More details of the appeal and background can be found on JURIST.
The situation has garnered international attention and criticism for its implications on judicial independence in Tunisia. In November, Human Rights Watch also urged the reversal of these convictions, arguing the prosecutions signify an erosion of judicial independence and breach of fair-trial guarantees, notably excessive pretrial detention and expedited proceedings that undermined defense opportunities. The HRW report underscores these violations as a substantial threat to basic legal standards.
The trial’s conduct has raised significant concerns globally, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressing apprehension over its political motivations and the use of counter-terrorism laws to suppress dissent. Türk labeled the trial a setback to justice and the rule of law, urging Tunisian authorities to adhere to fair trial and due process rights. Insights from this perspective are detailed in UN News.
Amidst international criticism, Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed a European Parliament resolution that called for the detainees’ release, viewing it as interference in Tunisia’s domestic matters. The resolution also condemned the arbitrary detention of lawyer and commentator Sonia Dahmani and sought the repeal of Decree-Law 54 of 2022 concerning cybercrime, which rights groups argue has been widely used to silence government critics. This ongoing debate reflects deeper tensions in Tunisia’s political landscape, as covered by EUobserver.
These developments underscore ongoing concerns regarding political dissent and the integrity of judicial processes in Tunisia, reflecting broader themes of governance and human rights in the region.