On 19 April 2025, the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced 37 individuals, including prominent political opposition figures, lawyers, human rights defenders and activists, to harsh prison terms, ranging from 4 to 74 years, after a sham trial. The court convicted them of conspiracy against state security and terrorism charges based on unsubstantiated charges related to their meetings to organise political opposition efforts, as well as meetings with foreign citizens, including diplomats. The process was marred by violations of fair trial and due process rights. Tunisian authorities should quash the unjust convictions and sentences of all defendants and immediately and unconditionally release all those who are detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights in relation to the “conspiracy case”.
