The threatened dissolution of Al-Khatt, the association that publishes the independent investigative platform Inkyfada, raises serious concerns regarding freedom of association,

freedom of expression, and the ability of independent media and civil society organizations to operate without interference. The case forms part of a broader deterioration in Tunisia's civic space, marked by administrative restrictions, financial investigations, asset freezes, and prosecutions targeting independent organizations and journalists. Any restriction on an association must have a clear legal basis and satisfy the requirements of necessity and proportionality. The dissolution of an organization supporting independent journalism should be considered only as a measure of last resort, following effective judicial review and full respect for due process.

Background

Al-Khatt has operated since 2013 in the fields of journalism and public debate and launched Inkyfada in 2014. The platform has published investigative reporting on corruption, institutional violence, migration policies, security, and economic and social rights.

In October 2025, authorities suspended Al-Khatt's activities for 30 days over an alleged failure to declare a foreign financial transfer. The association stated that it had declared the transfer within the applicable legal deadline. When it challenged the suspension, the court did not examine the substance of the dispute because the suspension period had expired by the time of the hearing.

In April 2026, the Presidency of the Government initiated proceedings seeking the dissolution of Al-Khatt. Inkyfada stated that the case was based on a financial and administrative dispute dating back to 2024 that had not been resolved on its merits and followed earlier restrictions affecting the association's bank transfers and administrative activities.

The proceedings come amid broader restrictions affecting Tunisian civil society. Human Rights Watch reported in September 2026 that since May 2024 authorities had pursued at least 47 people linked to nongovernmental organizations, with at least 14 convicted or sentenced, while at least 20 associations had faced suspension. Amnesty International has also reported an expansion of measures affecting civil society organizations, including financial investigations, asset freezes, and dissolution proceedings.

Institutional Position

Freedom of association and independent journalism are essential safeguards for public accountability. Financial regulation may legitimately require organizations to disclose funding and comply with applicable rules, but financial or administrative oversight cannot become a means of restricting organizations because of their lawful activities or critical reporting.

The move from a temporary suspension to proceedings seeking dissolution warrants particular scrutiny. Dissolution permanently terminates an association's legal existence and therefore constitutes a severe interference with freedom of association. Such a measure should be based on a clear and serious violation established through fair procedures and should remain subject to independent and effective judicial review. Where less restrictive measures can address a proven regulatory violation, dissolution may fail the requirements of necessity and proportionality.

The fact that the proceedings concern the legal and financial status of the publisher rather than an identified unlawful journalistic act also raises concerns about the potential indirect effect on press freedom. Measures against a media organization's legal or financial structure can restrict journalism without directly prohibiting publication.

Applicable Legal Framework

Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) protects freedom of association and permits restrictions only where prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society for specified legitimate purposes. Article 19 protects freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas. Restrictions on these rights must likewise satisfy legality, necessity, and proportionality.

Tunisia's Decree-Law No. 88 of 2011 regulates associations and provides a legal framework for their establishment, operation, financing, and dissolution. Its provisions must be applied consistently with Tunisia's international human rights obligations. Judicial review of any measure affecting an association must also meet fair-hearing and independence requirements under ICCPR Article 14.

Demands Aligned with International Human Rights Standards

Women Journalists Without Chains

Geneva, Switzerland — September 4, 2026