Tunisian Activist Sentenced to 8 Years for Defending Migrants

On March 20, here's the latest in global news.

A Tunisian court has sent in 66-year-old human rights activists Sadia Mazba to eight years in

prison, along with a fine of 26,000 pounds, or about $35,000. She leads the anti-racism group

Eminente and faces charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment after her arrest in May 2024.

Mazba has spent years defending sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia,

especially following the 2023 speech by President Kai Saeed that labeled them a demographic threat.

Since Saeed dissolved parliament in 2021, critics have pointed to a growing crackdown on

freedoms and opposition voices. Her lawyer called the verdict a shocking move to weaken civil

society and blame activists for migration challenges. Mazba's son got three years in prison,

and another campaigner received two years during the same trial.

Rights groups have suspended operations for several organizations defending liberties,

often over foreign funding issues. International watchdogs urged her immediate release right before

the hearing, citing her age and health. Meanwhile, Tunisia grapples with rising migration from Africa

as a key route to Europe, prompting stricter security, deportations, and limits on aid.

Wirt that could squeeze out independent advocates even more.