Judicial Independence Under Pressure: Tunisia’s civil society and legal community are bracing after the conviction of journalist Haythem El Mekki to one year in prison, a case framed around “insulting others” via social media and tied to reporting on a hospital morgue—critics warn it deepens intimidation and self-censorship. Transitional Justice Hit: A separate blow to accountability follows the sentencing of Sihem Bensedrine over work linked to the Truth and Dignity Commission, raising fears that criminal cases are being used to chill victims and human rights defenders. Lawyers Strike Back: In parallel, Tunisian lawyers staged a major nationwide walkout and protest for judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, signaling mounting institutional tension. Migration Deal Fallout: Rights groups renew calls to suspend EU support for Tunisia’s border and migration control, arguing the 2023 EU-Tunisia MoU has normalized abuses and fuels violent interceptions and forced returns. Regional Political Roadmap: UNSMIL says Libya election talks will resume in August, focusing on the legal framework for presidential and parliamentary polls and a new mechanism to reach consensus on the HNEC leadership.