Tunisia Jails Migrant Rights Activist Saadia Mosbah for 8 Years
Last update: March 20, 2026
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Critics warn of a growing crackdown on civil society and migration advocacy
A Tunisian court on Thursday sentenced Saadia Mosbah, a prominent migrant rights and anti racist activist, to eight years in prison in a ruling that critics say underscores an escalating crackdown on civil society and independent voices.
Authorities last year suspended the activities of prominent civil society groups including the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights and the Association of Democratic Women, both known for defending civil liberties, citing financial audits linked to foreign funding.
CBI News reports that Mosbah was charged with money laundering and illicit enrichment. Her defence team said it plans to appeal the ruling. Authorities did not immediately comment.
She has been detained since May 2024, alongside several other activists held in a government crackdown on groups assisting migrants.
The case comes as Tunisia faces mounting pressure over increased migration flows from across Africa, with the country serving as a key transit point for those seeking to reach Europe.
In response, authorities have tightened security measures and introduced stricter legal controls aimed at combating irregular migration networks. Thousands of migrants from African countries have been deported.
Rights groups warn these measures could further restrict humanitarian efforts and limit the space for independent advocacy in Tunisia.
