Rights Group Suspended in Tunisia Crackdown

Tunisian authorities have suspended the operations of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) office for one month, forcing the group to halt direct assistance to torture victims and their families.

OMCT stated that this measure is part of a “worrying” series of suspensions targeting civil society organisations in the North African country.

Since President Kais Saied’s sweeping power grab in 2021—which critics label a coup—human rights groups have reported a significant regression of freedoms.

Tunisia (News Central TV) — Rights group suspended in Tunisia crackdown Credit: The New Arab

Several other prominent organisations, including the Tunisian Forum for Social and Economic Rights (FTDES) and the Association of Democratic Women (ATFD), have also recently faced suspension.

President Saied frequently accuses non-governmental organisations of receiving “suspicious funds” from abroad, labelling this activity as “blatant interference.”

The suspended organisations, including OMCT, plan to appeal the government’s decision.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.