Tunisian Authorities Use Arbitrary Detention to Silence Critics, HRW Says

Tunisian authorities have jailed dozens of critics on politically motivated charges in a widening crackdown, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Wednesday. The North African country increasingly relies on arbitrary detention to punish dissent, the group said. Over 50 people were held for political reasons as of January 2025, with at least 14 facing possible death sentences. The report comes as Tunisia tries 40 high-profile defendants, including critics of President Kais Saied, for alleged state conspiracy.