Tunisia’s Slide into Authoritarianism: Politician Abir Moussi Sentenced to Prison
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, Tunisian politician Abir Moussi has been sentenced to two years in prison for criticizing the country’s legislative electoral process. Moussi, a prominent critic of President Kais Saied and head of the right-wing Free Destourian Party, has been detained since 2023. Her sentencing is seen as part of a broader crackdown on opposition politicians, with many viewing it as a disturbing sign of Tunisia’s slide into authoritarianism.
Moussi’s charges, which include "attempting to change the form of government," "inciting violence," and "attacking with the aim of provoking disorder," stem from her attempt to submit an appeal against presidential decrees ahead of local elections. Her imprisonment has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that the charges are politically motivated and designed to silence dissenting voices.
This is not an isolated incident. In April, a Tunisian court sentenced 37 people, including opposition figures, lawyers, and human rights defenders, to prison terms ranging from four to 74 years. Amnesty International has called the trial "farcical" and demanded that the verdict be quashed and all charges dropped. The international community is increasingly concerned about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Tunisia, which was once hailed as a beacon of hope for the region after its peaceful revolution in 2011.
Since President Saied took power in 2019, Tunisia has witnessed a gradual reversal of its democratic gains. Saied has suspended parliament, rewritten the constitution to consolidate his power, and arrested politicians, activists, and journalists who have criticized him. Human Rights Watch has accused Saied of overseeing politically motivated arrests and prosecutions to intimidate and silence critics. The detention of prominent figures like Rached Ghannouchi, the former leader of the Islamist party Ennahda, and Sihem Bensedrine, a lawyer and former head of Tunisia’s Truth and Dignity Commission, has further raised concerns about the country’s human rights record.
As Tunisia’s allies and partners, including the European Union, review their agreements with the country, they must ensure that Tunisia complies with its human rights obligations. The international community must speak out against the erosion of democratic freedoms and the silencing of dissenting voices in Tunisia. The sentencing of Abir Moussi is a stark reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and the need for vigilance in protecting human rights and democratic values.
