A Tunisian court has sentenced human rights activist Saadia Mosbah to eight years in prison and fined her £26,000 ($35,000).
Mosbah, who leads the anti-racism group Mnèmty, had been charged with money laundering and illicit enrichment after her arrest in May 2024.
The 66-year-old has been a prominent advocate for sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, notably after President Kais Saied's 2023 assertion that described hordes of illegal migrants as a demographic threat.
Since President Saied dissolved parliament in 2021, there have been increasing warnings from opposition figures and rights groups regarding the erosion of freedoms in Tunisia. The verdict against Mosbah represents a significant blow to civil liberties and is seen as part of a larger effort to dismantle civil society.
The verdict is a major shock, and it is part of a broader effort to dismantle civil society groups and shift responsibility for the state's failure to address the migrant issue onto these groups, Mosbah's lawyer, Hela Ben Salem, stated.
Authorities in Tunisia have previously suspended operations of major civil organizations, citing financial audits tied to foreign funding. During the hearing, Mosbah's defense argued for her innocence alongside that of other activists tried.
Mosbah's son was sentenced to three years, while another campaigner received two years. Concern for her age and health has led human rights groups to call for her release.
This case emerges as Tunisia faces mounting pressure over rising migration flows from Africa, with the country being a key transit point for those attempting to reach Europe. In response, the government has tightened its grip on migration through harsh legal measures, leading to significant humanitarian implications and warnings about the negative impact on advocacy efforts.
