Tunisia Court & Opposition: Tunisia’s appeals court increased Rached Ghannouchi’s prison sentence by three years over a 2016 donation of Gandhi Peace Prize money to the Tunisian Red Crescent, a move rights groups call excessive and politically motivated. Tunisia Courts & Political Trials: The terrorism-focused Criminal Chamber at the Tunis Court of First Instance rejected Monder Ounissi’s release request and postponed his trial (and others) to Sept. 25 in the audio recordings case. Civil Society Under Pressure: Rights groups and UN experts warn Tunisia’s crackdown on activists, lawyers, and NGOs is hardening into systematic pressure, with Amnesty and Human Rights Watch citing suspensions, harassment, and restrictions. Regional Politics & Morocco Link: Tunisian activists supporting closer ties with Morocco or Rabat’s Sahara position fear authorities may use “foreign influence” accusations to silence them amid a broader civil society squeeze. Global Spotlight on Tunisia: A US-linked arrest case involving James “Fergie” Cox Chambers Jr. alleges transfers to Tunisia tied to support for foreign terrorist organizations, keeping Tunisia in the crosshairs of international legal and political debate. Governance & Rule of Law: A wider regional discussion on judicial independence and the political misuse of justice systems continues, with Tunisia frequently cited as a cautionary example.