AGP Executive Report

Labour & Civil Society: Tunisia’s UGTT has reaffirmed plans for a nationwide general strike, authorizing an escalating campaign of action while saying the timing will be set after consultations with the Bar Association and human-rights groups, with demands focused on economic and social rights plus public and individual freedoms. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Journalists protested in Tunis demanding the immediate release of investigative reporter Mohamed El Yousfi, arrested last Friday on illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges that his lawyer and syndicate say are fabricated; the case adds to a wider crackdown that has seen other media figures jailed. Opposition Justice Concerns: Amnesty International renewed calls for the release of Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, warning that multiple convictions and a life sentence in a “Secret Apparatus” case reflect serious due-process violations and politicized prosecutions. Human Rights in Detention: Health concerns are worsening for Wael Naouar, a pro-Palestinian flotilla activist on hunger strike in detention, with his lawyer describing very serious condition after weeks without food. Economy & Finance: Fitch affirmed Tunisia’s B- rating, but highlighted how reliance on the central bank and weak reserves keep the country below its model score, with an early end to financing in 2027 raising pressure risks for the banking sector. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Iran’s embassy in Tunisia used a Bollywood Akshay Kumar meme to mock US President Trump after Tehran claimed it captured an unmanned US underwater vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, tying the taunt to oil prices and upcoming elections.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court over the arrest of investigative reporter Mohamed El Yousfi, accused of illicit enrichment and money laundering; rights groups say the case is meant to intimidate independent media. Opposition Health & Due Process: Amnesty International renewed calls for the immediate release of Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, citing repeated fair-trial violations and serious health concerns after multiple politically driven prosecutions. Hunger Strike in Detention: Concern is rising over Wael Naouar, a Global Sumud Flotilla activist on hunger strike for weeks in Tunisian custody, with his lawyer describing his condition as “very serious.” Labour Mobilisation: The UGTT warned of worsening economic and social crises and authorized a campaign of action that could include a general strike. Regional Solidarity & Diplomacy: Tunisia’s role in Arab League deliberations kept the Palestinian file central, with ministers stressing Arab solidarity and pressure to protect Jerusalem’s holy sites. Social Fabric in Focus: A revived Marian procession in La Goulette brought Christians, Jews and Muslims together, highlighting coexistence amid wider crackdowns on migrants.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court over the arrest of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, detained on alleged illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges that his lawyer says lack concrete evidence, as rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on independent voices. Opposition Justice Concerns: Amnesty International renewed calls for the immediate release of Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, citing multiple politically motivated cases, due-process violations, and serious health concerns after a new life sentence. Civil Society & Labor: The UGTT warned of worsening economic and social crises and authorized a campaign of action that could include a general strike, while urging defense of economic and social rights and freedoms. Detainees’ Health Watch: Concern is growing over the health of Global Sumud Flotilla activist Wael Naouar, on hunger strike for weeks in pre-trial detention, with reports of severe weight loss and breathing difficulties. EU Push for Pluralism: The EU urged Tunisia to create conditions for political pluralism and questioned whether fair-trial guarantees were respected after Tunisia’s top court upheld harsh sentences in a state-security “conspiracy” case. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign policy engagement featured in Arab League deliberations in Cairo, with emphasis on the Palestinian cause and regional escalation.

Labour Pressure: Tunisia’s UGTT has authorized a campaign of action that could include a general strike, warning that economic and social crises are worsening and blaming failed policies for hitting workers and marginalized regions hardest. Hunger Strike in Custody: Pro-Palestinian flotilla activist Wael Naouar remains in pre-trial detention as his hunger strike passes the 3-week mark, with his lawyer describing serious health deterioration. Due Process Alarm: Amnesty International is calling for the immediate release of opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, citing repeated fair-trial violations, multiple convictions, and escalating health concerns. Media Crackdown: Tunisian journalists protested after the arrest of investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi on illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges, which rights groups say are fabricated to intimidate independent voices. EU Push for Pluralism: The European Union urged Tunisia to create conditions for political pluralism and warned that fair-trial guarantees have not been fully respected, following harsh Cassation rulings in a state-security case. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s foreign minister attended the Arab League council in Cairo, where the bloc discussed the Palestinian cause and Gulf escalation.

Judicial Crackdown on Media: Tunisian journalists protested outside court demanding the release of investigative reporter Mohamed Yousfi, arrested last Friday on illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges his lawyer calls fabricated; SNJT says his health deteriorated in custody and warns of a broader crackdown on independent voices. EU Pressure for Pluralism: The European Union urged Tunisian authorities to ensure political pluralism and fair-trial guarantees, criticizing the use of communications with diplomats as grounds for charges after the Court of Cassation upheld harsh “conspiracy against state security” sentences. Human Rights Watch Alarm: Human Rights Watch says repression in Tunisia has hardened into systematic targeting of civil society, journalists, political opponents and migrants since 2021, citing prolonged pretrial detention, NGO prosecutions and convictions. Pro-Palestinian Detention and Health Crisis: Global Sumud Flotilla reports activist Wael Naouar is in critical condition after a hunger strike of more than three weeks while in preventive detention, with other detainees also facing serious medical issues. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, with the agenda focused on the Palestinian cause and regional escalation, including Iranian attacks.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested after the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, editor-in-chief of Al-Qatiba, as he was barred from entering Express FM for an interview; critics say the illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges are being used to intimidate independent voices under President Kais Saied. Courts and Civic Space: The case adds to a wider pattern of arrests and harsh rulings against journalists, opposition figures and civil society, with rights groups warning Tunisia is sliding into systematic repression. Human Rights Watch Alarm: Human Rights Watch said Tunisia’s crackdown has hardened into systematic repression since 2021, targeting NGOs, journalists and political opponents through prolonged detention, prosecutions and administrative pressure. EU Push for Pluralism: The EU urged Tunisian authorities to ensure political pluralism and fair-trial guarantees, criticizing the use of communications with diplomats as grounds for charges in the “conspiracy against state security” case. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, with the agenda focused on Palestine and escalating regional tensions, including developments in the Gulf and Arab crises. Arab League Appeal: A non-violence group urged Arab leaders to pardon prisoners of conscience and tackle youth unemployment and irregular migration. Tunisia-Vietnam Trade Talks: Vietnam’s ambassador visited Tunis to boost investment and cooperation, including education, software outsourcing, electric vehicles, textiles, olive oil and energy. Global Rights Context: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk praised dialogue-first handling of protests in India while warning against repression elsewhere.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested in Tunis after investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, facing illicit enrichment and money-laundering charges his lawyer says lack concrete evidence; the SNJT warned his health deteriorated in custody and called it part of a broader crackdown on independent voices. Judicial Crackdown on Opposition: The EU urged Tunisia to ensure political pluralism after the Court of Cassation upheld harsh sentences in a “conspiracy against state security” case, with rights groups and media watchdogs warning Tunisia is sliding toward authoritarianism under President Kais Saied. Civil Society Under Strain: Human Rights Watch said Tunisia’s repression of civil society has worsened into systematic targeting of NGOs, journalists, political opponents, independent lawyers and migrants, citing prolonged pretrial detention and convictions tied to vague legal provisions. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s Ahmed Attaf took part in the Arab League Council in Cairo, where ministers discussed the Palestinian cause and Gulf escalation, while Arab efforts to counter Israeli actions in Jerusalem were also highlighted.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisian journalists protested outside a court demanding the release of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi, detained after a judge questioned him over illicit enrichment and money laundering charges—an arrest critics say targets independent voices under President Kais Saied. Courts and Opposition: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld long prison sentences in a state security “conspiracy” case, deepening concerns about judicial independence and political freedoms. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says repression of civil society has hardened into systematic measures since 2024, including arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, financial probes, and threats of dissolution. Civil Society Under Threat: Rights groups warn that the threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt/Inkyfada would further shrink civic space and independent journalism. EU Push for Pluralism: The EU urged Tunisian authorities to create conditions for political pluralism and questioned whether fair-trial guarantees were fully respected after the latest Cassation rulings. Human Rights Update: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned at the Human Rights Council that wars and polarization are straining the global human rights system.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s judiciary keeps tightening the screws: the Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years in a major “conspiracy against state security” case, with lawyers and families calling it political and warning the judiciary is not independent. Journalists Targeted: Investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges not clearly explained; rights groups say the move fits a wider crackdown on independent voices. Civil Society Under Siege: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty describe systematic repression of NGOs and civic groups since 2024, including arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, financial probes, and threats of dissolution. EU Push for Pluralism: The EU urged Tunisian authorities to create conditions for political pluralism and warned about due-process concerns, including the use of diplomatic communications in cases. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, with focus on the Palestinian cause and regional escalation, while an Arab committee meeting on Jerusalem called for stronger international pressure to protect holy sites.

Arab League Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Ahmed Attaf joined the Arab League Council in Cairo, where ministers backed Arab solidarity on the Palestinian cause and discussed Gulf tensions amid escalation, adopting resolutions and reaffirming support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as capital. Jerusalem File: A parallel Arab ministerial committee meeting on Jerusalem, chaired by Jordan, condemned “unprecedented” Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa and urged stronger political, diplomatic and economic pressure to preserve the city’s historical and legal status quo. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s authorities detained investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges cited as illicit enrichment and money laundering; rights groups and the journalists’ union say this fits a wider crackdown on independent voices. Courts and Opposition: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld long prison sentences—up to 45 years—in a major “conspiracy against state security” case, deepening concerns about judicial independence and political freedoms. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch warned that repression of Tunisia’s civil society has intensified since 2024, citing arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, financial probes and threats of dissolution targeting NGOs and activists. Regional Humanitarian Protest: The Global Sumud Flotilla said Tunisian activist Wael Nawar is in critical condition after a 21-day hunger strike over preventive detention, amid reports of deaths in prisons during heatwaves.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years in the “conspiracy against state security” case, rejecting final appeals for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and rights defenders—an outcome critics say confirms the judiciary is not independent and further tightens President Kais Saied’s grip. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges not clearly explained; rights groups and the Tunisian journalists’ union frame it as part of a widening crackdown on independent media. Civil Society Squeezed: Human Rights Watch says repression of Tunisian civil society has hardened into systematic targeting since 2024, including arbitrary arrests, prolonged pretrial detention, financial and criminal probes, and threats of dissolution. Prison Conditions Worsen: A Tunisian human rights group reports a wave of heat-related deaths in detention amid extreme temperatures and dire prison conditions, while authorities have not confirmed figures. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, putting Iranian attacks and the Palestinian cause at the top of the agenda.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia detained investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering; rights groups and the SNJT say it fits a wider crackdown on independent voices under President Kais Saied. Judicial Crackdown on Opposition: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld long prison sentences—up to 45 years—in the “conspiracy against state security” case, rejecting final appeals for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and rights defenders, a move critics call political and emblematic of eroding judicial independence. Civil Society Squeezed: Human Rights Watch says repression of civil society has become systematic since 2024, citing arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, financial probes and threats of dissolution targeting NGOs, journalists and lawyers. Prison Conditions Worsen: The Tunisian League for Human Rights warned that heat-related deaths in detention have risen amid extreme temperatures and dire prison conditions, while authorities have not confirmed figures. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia chaired the Arab League Council session in Cairo, setting the agenda on the Palestinian cause and Iranian attacks, with Tunisia taking over the rotating presidency from Bahrain.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi was detained as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering—another blow to independent media under President Kais Saied. Judiciary and Opposition: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld final prison sentences of up to 45 years in the “conspiracy against state security” case, closing the appeal process for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and human rights defenders and deepening claims of political justice. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says repression of civil society has hardened into systematic targeting of NGOs, journalists and activists, citing arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, prosecutions under broad laws, and threats of dissolution. Prison Conditions and Heat: Rights groups report at least 20 prisoner deaths linked to extreme heat and dire detention conditions, as Tunisia also faces power cuts and water shortages. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took over the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, setting the agenda around Palestinian issues and Iranian attacks on Arab states.

Judiciary & Opposition: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years in the “conspiracy against state security” case, closing the final appeal for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and rights defenders—an outcome critics say cements President Kais Saied’s authoritarian grip. Press Freedom: A judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi as he arrived for a radio interview, with charges reported as illicit enrichment and money laundering; rights groups and the journalists’ union say the move reflects shrinking civic and media space. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch released a new report accusing Tunisian authorities of systematically repressing civil society since 2024 through arrests, prosecutions, financial pressure and threats of dissolution. Detention Conditions: The Tunisian League for Human Rights warned that heat has contributed to deaths in detention, as Tunisia faces power cuts and extreme temperatures. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia took over the Arab League Council presidency in Cairo, pushing the agenda on Iranian attacks and the Palestinian issue.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: A Tunisian judge ordered the detention of investigative journalist Mohamed Yousfi after police took him in as he arrived to give an interview, with charges reportedly tied to illicit enrichment and money laundering—rights groups say it’s part of a widening crackdown on independent voices. Opposition Courts Finalized: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld mass “conspiracy against state security” convictions, closing the final appeal for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and rights defenders with sentences up to 45 years, a move critics call proof the judiciary is not independent. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch warned Tunisia is systematically repressing civil society since 2024 through prosecutions, arbitrary arrests, financial investigations and suspensions, aiming to shut remaining civic space. Journalists in Legal Limbo: Separate reporting highlights how some media figures remain free but under looming prison sentences or harassment, blurring the line between freedom and imprisonment. Detention Conditions: The Tunisian League for Human Rights said at least 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, while authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths.

Judicial Crackdown: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld final prison sentences of up to 45 years for dozens of opposition leaders, lawyers and human rights defenders in the “conspiracy against state security” case, closing a three-year process and drawing fresh claims that the judiciary is politically controlled. Civil Society Under Siege: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia has systematically repressed civil society since 2024 through prosecutions, arbitrary arrests, long detentions, financial investigations, mass suspensions and threats of dissolution—part of a push to shut civic space. Independent Media Pressure: The threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association behind investigative platform Inkyfada, signals further pressure on independent journalism and freedom of association. Detention Conditions in Crisis: Rights groups report heat-related deaths in prisons amid extreme temperatures and power/water shortages, while authorities have not confirmed figures. Rights Groups Mobilize: Amnesty and other defenders call the rulings a “travesty of justice” and urge overturning convictions and releasing those arbitrarily detained.