Saadia Mosbah: Tunisian Anti-Racism Activist Sentenced to Eight Years

Fri Mar 20 2026 20:26:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Saadia Mosbah, a leading anti-racism activist in Tunisia, has been sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of money laundering. Her case highlights a growing crackdown on civil society in the country amidst rising migration tensions.

The Tunisian court's sentencing of Saadia Mosbah, a prominent figure in advocating for sub-Saharan migrants, has raised concerns about the erosion of human rights and freedoms in the country. Following President Kais Saied's controversial speech against 'illegal migrants,' rights groups fear increased repression of civil society, as evidenced by Mosbah's conviction for money laundering. Mosbah's case reflects a broader trend of tightening restrictions on activists and civil organizations in Tunisia.

A Tunisian court has sentenced human rights activist Saadia Mosbah to eight years in prison and fined her £26,000 ($35,000). Mosbah, who leads the anti-racism group Mnèmty, was convicted on charges of money laundering and illicit enrichment, following her arrest in May 2024.

The 66-year-old has been a significant advocate for sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia, particularly in the wake of President Kais Saied's 2023 remarks describing African migrants as a demographic threat. Rights groups have warned that this case signals a broader crackdown on civil society since Saied's consolidation of power after dissolving parliament in 2021.

The verdict is a major shock and is part of a broader effort to dismantle civil society groups and shift responsibility for the state's failure to address the migrant issue onto these groups, stated Mosbah's lawyer, Hela Ben Salem.

Authorities stepped up actions against civil organizations recently, suspending the activities of several key groups, including the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, citing financial audits linked to foreign funding.

During the trial, Mosbah's defense argued her innocence, but the court proceedings have raised alarms about the vulnerabilities faced by activists. Mosbah's son was also sentenced to three years, while another campaigner received a two-year term.

Human rights organizations have demanded the immediate release of Mosbah, citing her age and health concerns, and have emphasized that her prosecution is part of a trend of increasing repression of civil activists in Tunisia.

The backdrop of rising migration flows from Africa into Tunisia has prompted the government to tighten its immigration policies significantly, affecting humanitarian efforts and the overall space for independent advocacy.