Tunisian authorities have ordered a one-month suspension of activities by the Human Rights League (LTDH), according to a statement from the group.

The LTDH was part of the civil society quartet that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015 for their role in supporting Tunisia's democratic transition.

No comment has been provided by the government regarding this decision.

The suspension is reportedly part of a 'wider pattern of increasingly systematic curbs on civil society and on free and independent voices.' In October, Tunisia also suspended several prominent groups, including Democratic Women and the Economic and Social Rights Forum.

Human rights organizations have criticized what they describe as an unprecedented crackdown targeting NGOs, opposition groups, and journalists since President Kais Saied seized additional powers in 2021.

LTDH, known for its outspoken criticism of Saied's administration, has repeatedly warned that Tunisia is sliding towards authoritarian rule since parliament was suspended in 2021.

Saied maintains that he will not be a dictator and that freedoms are guaranteed in Tunisia, though no one is above the law.

In recent months, LTDH has been barred from visiting prisons to inspect detainees' conditions in several cities.

The group, founded in 1976, is widely seen as a cornerstone of human rights advocacy in Tunisia, being one of the oldest such organizations in the Arab world and Africa.

Tunisia was once hailed as the only democratic success story to emerge from the Arab Spring 15 years ago, but now faces growing criticism from international rights groups over restrictions on opponents, media, and civil society.

Prominent Tunisian reporter Zied Heni was detained on Friday after writing an article criticizing the judiciary, according to his lawyer.