Tunisian human rights activists face intense prosecution

Human Rights Watch has denounced the continuous and unfair prosecution of human rights activists and political opponents in Tunisia, according to Maghrebi Week. 

Eight human rights defenders have been sentenced to prison terms and heavy fines for charges connected to their human rights work. The Human Rights NGO cites the case of Sihem Bensedrine as a major recent example, who served as the former president of the Truth and Dignity Commission, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison and a joint fine with several others of roughly $600 million. Tunisia’s civic space is facing devastating blows due to the severe fines human rights defenders are facing. 

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is recommending Tunisia to review the legislative framework to address issues regarding civil society and minority accommodations.