In the most recent Amnesty Urgent Action letter, the TRU Students’ Union wrote to His Excellency Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia, urging the immediate release of human rights defender Saadia Mosbah and the quashing of convictions against her and her colleagues. The letter also called for an independent investigation into allegations of racist ill-treatment and accountability for those responsible.
“Writing this letter is one way we can stand with people who face punishment for defending the rights of others,” said Yunisha Bist, Equity Executive. “As students, we recognize the importance of being able to organize and advocate for our communities without fear of imprisonment.”
Saadia Mosbah is the founder and president of Mnemty, an organization that challenges racism and advocates for the rights of migrants and marginalized communities in Tunisia. Police arrested her on May 7, 2024, after questioning her about the organization’s activities and funding. She and her colleagues faced financial crime charges, including money laundering and illicit enrichment, despite the case records containing no evidence of an unlawful source of funds. On June 23, 2026, a court upheld her conviction and eight-year prison sentence, along with the convictions of five Mnemty staff members and associates. Mosbah and her colleagues filed a final appeal on June 29.
The prosecution took place amid a wider crackdown on organizations working on migration and anti-racism in Tunisia. Before Mosbah’s arrest, she and Mnemty were targeted by a racist online smear campaign, while President Kais Saied publicly accused organizations supporting migrants of being traitors and foreign agents. During the investigation, court-appointed financial experts reportedly made racist comments about Black defendants and refused to examine financial documents seized from Mnemty’s office. These actions raise serious concerns about racial discrimination, the right to a fair trial, and the use of criminal proceedings to silence people defending human rights.
“People working to challenge racism should be able to do so knowing their rights will be protected,” said Bist. “Saadia Mosbah’s imprisonment has consequences beyond her own freedom. It sends a troubling message to others who are trying to speak out against discrimination.”
It is our hope that President Kais Saied will act to secure Mosbah’s release, address the unjust convictions, and ensure accountability for human rights violations connected to this case.
We await a response from President Kais Saied on this urgent matter.
For More Information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Visit our Amnesty Urgent Actions page to see issues we have addressed previously. For further information about this issue or to request a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.