Lawyers and families of jailed Tunisian opposition leaders have appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch an investigation into the Tunisian government’s crackdown on political dissent and the mistreatment of Black African migrants. The North African country, which has received financial support from the European Union to help control migration, is now facing renewed accusations of human rights violations.
This marks the second time Tunisian opposition members have sought the ICC’s intervention. Last year, families of seven imprisoned politicians urged the court to investigate allegations of political persecution and human rights abuses under President Kais Saied’s administration. With new claims of abuse, lawyers have filed another request for an ICC probe, coming just weeks before Tunisia’s October 6 presidential election, where Saied is seeking a second term.
“The new evidence shows that Black African migrants are facing brutal and heartless treatment at the hands of Tunisian authorities,” lawyer Rodney Dixon said in a statement. “The ICC has the jurisdiction to investigate these alleged crimes against humanity and should act with the full force of international law to protect those most vulnerable.”
Dixon highlighted reports of arbitrary arrests of migrants on land and at sea, followed by their expulsion to desert areas along Tunisia’s borders with Algeria and Libya, where they are often subjected to beatings and psychological abuse. For many sub-Saharan Africans, Tunisia serves as a transit point to Europe, while others arrive from neighboring Libya.
The ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor confirmed receipt of the request but has yet to comment further. The court is already investigating crimes against migrants in Libya, including detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and sexual violence. Tunisia, as a member of the ICC, is subject to its jurisdiction.
Among those seeking ICC action is Elyes Chaouachi, whose father Ghazi Chaouch, former secretary-general of the social democratic party Attayar, is one of the detained opposition figures. In a statement, Chaouachi expressed concern about the erosion of democracy and the rise of autocratic tendencies in Tunisia.
“In Tunisia, the pillars of democracy and human rights are under siege, as autocracy, racism, antisemitism, and hate speech rise unchecked,” Chaouachi said. “We urge the ICC and the international community to take a stand — support humanity, uphold justice, and restore dignity. Our voices for freedom and equality must not go unheard.”
Tunisia’s political and economic instability has drawn increased attention from European leaders. Last year, the European Union offered over 1 billion euros in financial aid to help stabilize Tunisia’s economy and strengthen its border controls, aiming to curb the flow of migrants from Tunisia to Europe.
The international community is now closely watching Tunisia as it navigates this period of political uncertainty and escalating human rights concerns.
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