Tunisia jails migrant rights activist Saadia Mosbah to 8 years

A court in Tunisia has sentenced migrant rights activist Saadia Mosbah to eight years in prison, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over restrictions on civil society and humanitarian work.

The verdict, delivered on Thursday, follows charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment against Mosbah, a prominent anti-racism campaigner. Her legal team said it will appeal the ruling.

Her lawyer, Hela Ben Salem, described the decision as a major shock, warning it reflects a broader trend targeting independent organizations.

Mosbah has been in detention since May 2024, alongside other activists arrested in a government crackdown on groups supporting migrants.

Pressure on NGOs and civic space grows

Authorities have in recent months suspended operations of leading advocacy groups, including the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights and the Association of Democratic Women, citing financial audits linked to foreign funding.

Critics say the moves signal tightening restrictions on civil society, with fears that humanitarian efforts could be increasingly limited.

Rights organisations warn that such measures risk shrinking the space for independent advocacy and oversight in Tunisia.

Tunisia has become a key transit point for migrants from sub-Saharan Africa seeking to reach Europe, placing pressure on authorities to respond to rising migration flows.

In response, the government has introduced stricter border controls and legal measures targeting irregular migration networks. Thousands of migrants have been deported in recent months.

Analysts say the case involving Mosbah highlights the tension between migration control policies and the protection of civil liberties.

REUTERS