A Tunisian court on Thursday handed anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah an eight-year prison sentence on financial misconduct charges, a ruling her lawyer described as “shocking” and politically motivated. The verdict marks the latest in a series of actions targeting civil society in the North African nation.
Mosbah, 66, heads the Mnemty anti-racism association and has been in custody for nearly two years. She gained prominence for defending sub-Saharan migrants following President Kais Saied’s 2023 speech condemning “hordes of illegal migrants” as a demographic threat.
She was arrested in May 2024 on allegations of money laundering and illicit enrichment, alongside other members of her association, who all pleaded innocence during Thursday’s hearing.
Her lawyer, Ben Salem, said the ruling was “entirely unrelated to the case” and signaled a broader warning to civil society under Tunisia’s current regime. An immediate appeal has been filed.
Mosbah’s family members also received sentences: her son was handed three years, while another activist received a two-year term.
Human rights groups have decried the verdict, citing Mosbah’s age and health and framing her prosecution as part of “growing repression of civil society,” which has included legal actions against rights defenders, media smear campaigns, and restrictions on NGOs supporting migrants.
Since President Saied’s 2021 consolidation of power, rights organizations have documented an erosion of freedoms in Tunisia, raising concerns about the shrinking space for civil society and independent activism.
