Rights groups condemn charges as criminalisation of humanitarian work.

Six staff members from the Tunisian Refugee Council (TRC) went on trial Thursday, accused of aiding irregular migration into Tunisia, a key transit point for migrants trying to reach Europe.

The TRC, which partners with the UN refugee agency UNHCR, helps screen asylum applications.

The defendants are charged with “sheltering” migrants and “facilitating illegal entry” according to their lawyers.

The case has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups who say it criminalises humanitarian aid. Among the accused are TRC director Mustapha Djemali and project manager Abderrazek Krimi, both held in pre-trial detention for over 18 months, exceeding Tunisia’s 14-month legal limit.

Lawyers have requested their release and the inclusion of UNHCR testimony. Djemali’s daughter said he is in poor health and struggling in detention.

Initial fraud and money laundering charges against him have reportedly been dropped.

CBI News reports that the arrests took place in May 2024 alongside those of other aid workers from French and Tunisian organisations who await trial.

Antonia Mulvey, director of Legal Action Worldwide, called the prosecution arbitrary and a violation of international obligations.

The case comes amid growing hostility toward migrants in Tunisia following President Kais Saied’s 2023 remarks warning that migrants from sub-Saharan Africa posed a demographic threat.