Leading anti‑racism activist in Tunisia jailed for eight years

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete March 20, 2026 at 02:17 PM

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Tunisian anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah, leader of the group Mnèmty, was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined £26,000 on charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment. Mosbah, a prominent advocate for sub-Saharan migrants, was arrested in May 2024. Her son received a three-year sentence, and another activist was sentenced to two years. Rights groups, including the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and the World Organisation Against Torture, have condemned the verdict and called for Mosbah's immediate release, citing concerns about her age and health. They view the case as part of a broader crackdown on civil society and a restriction of freedoms in Tunisia since President Saied dissolved parliament in 2021. Lawyers for Mosbah maintain her innocence and argue the charges are politically motivated.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% World Organisation Against Torture 40% Hela Ben Salem 40% AFP ×240% Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders 40% Kais Saied 50% Mnèmty 60% Tunisia ×580% Saadia Mosbah ×690%

Keywords

tunisia 100% anti-racism 90% human rights activist 80% crackdown 80% imprisonment 70% migrants 70% rights groups 60% civil society 60% repression 50% money laundering 50%