Tunisia Temporarily Bans Prominent Rights Group
The Tunisian authorities have temporarily banned the local branch of Avocats Sans Frontieres, a prominent international NGO.
Tunisian authorities have temporarily banned the local branch of the prominent international NGO Avocats Sans Frontieres (ASF), the organization announced on Tuesday.
This action comes in the wake of another leading rights group receiving a similar measure just days prior.
According to ASF, they were issued a 30-day suspension order, though they did not elaborate on the reasons behind it.
In response, ASF in Tunisia condemned the ban as "an unjustified infringement on the freedom of civil action and a clear targeting of independent spaces that strive to serve the public good and promote the values of solidarity, justice, and the rule of law".
The organization has vowed to defend its rights and appeal the decision.
This recent suspension follows a pattern established by authorities in Tunisia, which has included 10 other NGOs since autumn last year.
These organizations have been subject to month-long operational suspensions, with accusations from President Kais Saied claiming they receive foreign funding, which he deems as interference in Tunisian affairs.
The country's human rights record has drawn significant criticism since Saied's power grab in 2021.
Tunisia gained recognition for its transition to democracy following the Arab Spring, but concerns have risen regarding the rollback of freedoms under Saied's presidency.
This action comes in the wake of another leading rights group receiving a similar measure just days prior.
According to ASF, they were issued a 30-day suspension order, though they did not elaborate on the reasons behind it.
In response, ASF in Tunisia condemned the ban as "an unjustified infringement on the freedom of civil action and a clear targeting of independent spaces that strive to serve the public good and promote the values of solidarity, justice, and the rule of law".
The organization has vowed to defend its rights and appeal the decision.
This recent suspension follows a pattern established by authorities in Tunisia, which has included 10 other NGOs since autumn last year.
These organizations have been subject to month-long operational suspensions, with accusations from President Kais Saied claiming they receive foreign funding, which he deems as interference in Tunisian affairs.
The country's human rights record has drawn significant criticism since Saied's power grab in 2021.
Tunisia gained recognition for its transition to democracy following the Arab Spring, but concerns have risen regarding the rollback of freedoms under Saied's presidency.
