DZWatch Exclusive: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Tunisian authorities to drop what it describes as “baseless charges” against detained civil society members and to cease the criminalization of legitimate work by independent organizations. The organization issued its statement on Monday.
The call comes after five employees of the Tunisian Refugee Council (TRC) appeared in court on November 24, 2025. Rights groups have characterized this as part of a broader crackdown targeting civil society organizations in Tunisia.
Tunisian authorities have reportedly closed the TRC, frozen its bank accounts, and are prosecuting six of its employees for their work assisting asylum seekers and refugees. The TRC operates as a partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
HRW noted that the legal action includes the organization’s founder and director, Mustapha Jemmali, and project manager, Abdelrazak Karimi. They reportedly face up to 23 years in prison if convicted on charges related to facilitating irregular entry and residence for foreigners in Tunisia. One employee is awaiting proceedings before the Court of Cassation and has not yet been tried.
Bessam Khawaja, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, stated that the TRC provides essential support to refugees and asylum seekers and operates lawfully with accredited international organizations in Tunisia. He emphasized that targeting the organization with abusive legal procedures criminalizes vital assistance and leaves asylum seekers without much-needed support.
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