The Tunisian judiciary has handed down severe prison sentences against political figures and journalists in what critics describe as a blatant misuse of the legal system to suppress dissent.

The verdicts, issued on February 5 by the Court of First Instance in Tunis, mark a significant escalation in Tunisia’s crackdown on public freedoms and political pluralism, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic principles in the country. 

Among the 48 individuals sentenced were prominent political leaders, former officials, and members of the press. Rached Ghannouchi, the 83-year-old leader of the Ennahda Movement, received a 22-year prison sentence, while his sons, Samia and Moaz, were also convicted. Former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi was sentenced to 35 years, alongside former Foreign Minister Rafik Abdel Salam (34 years). The case also implicated journalists, including former Al Jazeera Director General Wadah Khanfar, who received 35 years, blogger Salim Jebali, and journalist Shaza Haj Mubarak. The charges, framed under the controversial “Instalingo” case, included vague allegations such as “harming state security” and “inciting chaos.” 

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) strongly condemned these rulings, emphasizing that they failed to meet international legal standards. Defendants were reportedly denied their right to a fair defense, and the judicial process raised serious doubts about its integrity and independence. The sentencing of journalists, in particular, constitutes a direct violation of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects freedom of the press and prohibits arbitrary prosecution of media professionals. 

Politicized Judiciary Raises Alarm 

Legal experts and human rights organizations have decried the court’s rulings as politically motivated. Tunisian lawyer and political activist Abdel Wahab Moattar described the verdicts as an act of “blatant injustice,” warning that the judiciary has been compromised by executive influence. He asserted that the “Instalingo” case did not warrant prosecution, let alone such severe sentences, underscoring the growing concerns about Tunisia’s judicial independence. 

The Justice Organization for Human Rights also denounced the rulings, calling them an unprecedented assault on press freedom and freedom of expression. The organization urged Tunisian authorities to immediately release all political detainees and journalists, describing the prosecutions as part of an orchestrated effort to silence critical voices. 

Tunisia’s Democratic Decline 

Women Journalists Without Chains highlighted that the increasing use of judicial institutions to prosecute opposition figures and journalists signals a shift toward authoritarian rule. Since the 2011 revolution, Tunisia had been regarded as a model for democratic transition in the region, but the recent wave of arrests targeting political figures across the spectrum—including leftist and liberal leaders—reflects a systematic campaign to consolidate power and weaken political opposition. 

The organization warned that continued repression will only deepen political and social tensions while damaging Tunisia’s international reputation. The erosion of judicial independence and ongoing crackdowns on journalists risk undermining public trust in state institutions and could destabilize the country in the long run. 

Women Journalists Without Chains is urging Tunisian authorities to overturn these unjust rulings and release all political and media detainees prosecuted for their opinions or journalistic work. The organization also called on the international community and human rights bodies to take immediate steps to pressure the Tunisian government to uphold fundamental freedoms and reverse the deteriorating human rights situation. 

Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and judicial independence, WJWC called on Tunisia to end arbitrary prosecutions and restore constitutional rights in line with international agreements. The organization stressed that respecting the rule of law and safeguarding democratic principles is the only path to ensuring long-term stability and social peace in the country.