Tunisia: Tunisia's Rights Defenders Decry Civil Society Crackdown

What the report says

Tunisia’s civil society is facing what rights advocates describe as an escalating crackdown under President Kais Saied, according to a Deutsche Welle report distributed by AllAfrica on 2 September 2026. Human Rights Watch and Tunisian activists say organizations that criticize the authorities are under growing pressure through prosecutions, financial investigations, detentions and suspensions of activity. The report says this has created a chilling effect that is making many people more cautious about speaking publicly or working on politically sensitive issues.

The article cites Human Rights Watch as concluding in a new report that the government is trying to close civic space altogether. It also notes that civil society groups in Tunisia have traditionally played an important role in monitoring power, providing services and defending rights. Activists quoted by DW say the situation has left many organizations in shock, while officials in Tunis have not responded to the outlet’s request for comment.

The report places the crackdown in the context of Saied’s broader consolidation of power since 2021, when he dissolved parliament and moved against opposition figures and democratic institutions. Saied, elected in 2019, has rejected claims that he is authoritarian and says his actions are aimed at fighting corruption and protecting democracy. The article also describes recent protests in Tunis over living conditions and services, along with survey findings suggesting public trust in civil society remains stronger among younger Tunisians than older ones.