The statement issued on February 6, 2026, by several United Nations Special Rapporteurs is part of a formal process of raising concerns and engaging in dialogue with the Tunisian authorities in response to a worrying deterioration of the rule of law. Led by Margaret Satterthwaite (independence of judges and lawyers), Matthew Gillett (Working Group on Arbitrary Detention), Irene Khan (freedom of opinion and expression), Gina Romero (right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association), and Mary Lawlor (human rights defenders), this communication reflects a significant convergence of mandates, revealing the gravity and systemic nature of the alleged violations.
It draws on a series of emblematic individual cases involving judges, lawyers, politicians, and journalists. Among those cited are judges Anissa Trichili and Afif Jaidi, who have been subjected to summonses and pressure in connection with the exercise of their freedom of expression. The report also mentions several lawyers and public figures who have been prosecuted or detained, including Ayachi Hammami, Ahmed Souab, Abir Moussi, and Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, as well as the journalist and opposition figure Chaima Issa.
These situations are particularly relevant to the so-called “conspiracy against state security” case, which has been marked by harsh sentences, controversial arrests, and repeated allegations of violations of fair trial guarantees. The communication also highlights cases of detention deemed arbitrary by UN mechanisms, notably concerning Abir Moussi and Chaima Issa, underscoring the gravity of the concerns expressed.
Through these cases, the Special Rapporteurs denounce a broader trend toward the use of judicial and criminal proceedings to restrict critical speech, undermine the independence of the judiciary, and hinder the work of human rights defenders—a trend that runs counter to Tunisia’s international commitments.
Thus, the report goes beyond abstract analysis and is grounded in concrete situations that illustrate the current threats to fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in the country.
