AGP Executive Report

Prison Health & Rights: Tunisia’s opposition is escalating pressure after Rached Ghannouchi’s family says they’ve been denied contact and visits for nearly a week, with lawyers alleging his collapse in a heatwave and transfer to hospital without access to his medical file. Political Repression Anniversary: As Tunisia marks five years since Kais Saied suspended parliament and ruled by emergency measures, protests in Tunis renewed calls for him to leave amid a worsening economic and infrastructure crisis, including deadly power cuts. Opposition Demands Transparency: The National Salvation Front urged an urgent official statement on Ghannouchi’s condition and also raised concerns over the health of Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, warning that restrictions and silence fuel dangerous rumours. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia and Egypt reaffirmed bilateral ties in a phone call, with both foreign ministers stressing follow-up on joint committee outcomes and coordination to de-escalate regional tensions, including Libya. UNESCO & Heritage: Sidi Bou Saïd was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, adding new international recognition but also immediate pressure on Tunisia to protect the site from construction and tourism impacts.

Political Repression Watch: Ennahda’s jailed leader Rached Ghannouchi’s family says they’ve had “no contact” with him for nearly a week after prison authorities allegedly told lawyers he was transferred to hospital—while access was denied and his daughter cites extreme heat at Mornaguia Prison and medical needs. Democracy Anniversary: Tunisia marks five years since President Kais Saied suspended parliament and ruled by emergency measures, with protests in Tunis calling for him to leave amid a worsening economic and rights climate. Power Crisis: The anniversary lands as blackouts intensify during a brutal heatwave, with reports of deaths linked to outages and STEG warning against excessive air-conditioning use to prevent grid collapse. International Diplomacy: Tunisia and Egypt’s foreign ministers reaffirmed bilateral ties and regional coordination, including Libya-related cooperation. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed the Village of Sidi Bou Saïd on the World Heritage List, adding a new responsibility for protection amid tourism pressures. Regional Climate Response: Italy deployed a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews battling wildfires, underscoring Maghreb-wide solidarity.

Emergency Anniversary & Protests: Tunisia marked five years since President Kais Saied’s emergency measures with fresh street anger in Tunis, as demonstrators demanded he leave and denounced democratic backsliding and mismanagement. Power Crisis Fallout: The anniversary comes amid worsening electricity and water cuts during extreme heat, with reports of deaths linked to blackouts and mounting public anger across multiple governorates. Prison Health Under Scrutiny: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi’s family and Ennahda say he is in critical condition after fainting in prison heat, alleging authorities block visits and withhold information. Rights & Governance Pressure: Lawyers and relatives describe overcrowded conditions and heat exposure inside Mornaguia Prison, adding to the broader rights crackdown narrative around Saied’s rule. Foreign Policy Signals: Tunisia and Egypt reaffirmed cooperation by phone between their foreign ministers, while Tunisia also summoned France’s ambassador over a French TV interview Tunisian authorities say undermines sovereignty. Regional Heat & Aid: As wildfires and heatwaves strain North Africa, Italy deployed a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews. Culture & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed Sidi Bou Saïd on the World Heritage List, spotlighting Tunisia’s living heritage and raising new protection responsibilities.

Protest Politics in Tunis: Thousands marched down Habib Bourguiba Avenue to mark five years since President Kais Saied suspended parliament, demanding his resignation over democratic backsliding, repression and a worsening economic crisis. Power Crisis & Public Anger: The anniversary protests unfolded alongside intensifying electricity and water cuts during extreme heat, with demonstrations reported across multiple cities and mounting pressure on hospitals and households. Opposition Under Pressure: Ennahda and lawyers renewed alarms over jailed leader Rached Ghannouchi’s health, saying authorities block family and legal visits despite a reported fainting episode and severe exhaustion in prison heat. International Diplomacy: Tunisia summoned the French ambassador over a French TV interview Tunisian authorities say undermines sovereignty and calls for internal confrontation. Regional Solidarity & Aid: Italy deployed a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews battling wildfires, coordinated through the EU civil protection mechanism. Heritage Spotlight: UNESCO inscribed the Village of Sidi Bou Saïd on the World Heritage List, adding new protection responsibilities as tourism pressures grow.

Republic Day Protests & Power Crisis: Tunisia marked 25 July, the anniversary of the 1957 republic, with hundreds of demonstrators in Tunis denouncing President Kais Saied’s 2021 power grab amid worsening economic hardship and rolling blackouts. Prison Health Under Heat: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, jailed since 2023, is reported in “critical condition” after fainting and severe exhaustion in extreme heat, with lawyers and family allegedly blocked from visiting. Electricity/Water Unrest: Across several governorates, protests flared over continued electricity and water cuts during a 50C heatwave, with hospitals reporting surges in patients affected by respiratory problems. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Tunisia summoned France’s ambassador over a French TV interview described as undermining Tunisian sovereignty and calling for internal confrontation. International Solidarity: Italy deployed a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews battling wildfires, coordinated through the EU civil protection mechanism. UNESCO Recognition: Sidi Bou Saïd was unanimously inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing new protection duties alongside tourism pressure.

Tunisia–France Tensions: Tunisia summoned the French ambassador after a French TV interview Tunisian authorities say attacks national sovereignty and calls for sedition, escalating diplomatic friction. Heatwave, Power Cuts, Protests: With temperatures near 50°C, Tunisia saw renewed anger over electricity and water outages, including demonstrations and reports of health impacts. Prison Health Crisis: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, jailed since 2023, is reported to have fainted in extreme heat; lawyers and Ennahda warn authorities block visits and information, raising rights and humanitarian concerns. Regional Solidarity on Wildfires: As wildfires rage across Algeria and Tunisia, Maghreb solidarity is highlighted, with Italy deploying a Canadair aircraft to support Tunisian firefighting crews. Libya Electricity Breakdown: Libya’s power cuts and load-shedding worsened amid soaring temperatures, with oversight bodies urged to investigate sector mismanagement.

Prison Health Crisis in Tunisia: Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi, jailed since 2023, is reported to be in critical condition after fainting and severe exhaustion linked to extreme heat at Mornaguia prison; lawyers say authorities blocked visits by his family and defence team, while Ennahda insists the state is fully responsible for his safety. Heatwave-Driven Unrest: As Tunisia endures sweltering 50C temperatures, protests are spreading over ongoing electricity and water cuts, with demonstrators blocking roads and residents reporting health impacts and losses. Economic Stagnation Under Saied: Five years after Kais Saied’s 25 July 2021 power grab, coverage argues Tunisia’s economic crisis shows no end in sight, with political institutions and opposition repression failing to deliver promised development. Gaza Funding Clampdown Reaches Tunisia: A US donor living in Tunisia, James “Fergie” Chambers, was arrested in Spain and faces extradition over alleged financial support to Hamas, raising alarm about a wider Trump-era crackdown. Tunisia’s Political Backdrop: Commentary marks the anniversary of the dismantling of Tunisia’s post-2011 democratic experiment, framing the shift to one-man rule as the turning point for rights and governance.

Prison and rights under heat: Tunisia’s jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi has reportedly fainted in Mornaguia prison amid extreme temperatures, with lawyers saying his condition is “critical” and authorities have blocked visits by family and defence. Public anger over services: Protests are spreading as electricity and water cuts continue in a 50C heatwave, with residents and hospitals reporting serious health impacts and mounting losses. Economic crisis, five years on: A new analysis marks five years since Kais Saied’s self-coup, arguing that dismantling institutions and silencing opposition hasn’t delivered the promised economic turnaround. Press freedom squeezed: Tunisia’s courts have handed down prison sentences to journalists, underscoring tighter restrictions on civic space and expression. Political intimidation: The Tunisian Workers’ Party faces international backlash after an online video called for the assassination of its secretary-general Hamma Hammami. Regional politics, Tunisia-linked: A US donor living in Tunisia, James “Fergie” Chambers, was arrested in Spain over alleged Hamas-related financing, raising fears of a wider Trump-era crackdown.

Prison Conditions Under Strain: Tunisia’s heatwave is turning already harsh detention into a political flashpoint, with reports from families and visits to Mornaguia Prison describing extreme temperatures, cramped cells, and elderly opposition figures struggling to breathe and even faint. Opposition Health Fears: Eyewitness accounts say jailed leaders including Rached Ghannouchi lost consciousness in custody, raising urgent calls for humanitarian attention and legal scrutiny. Electricity & Water Crisis Protests: Across multiple governorates, Tunisians have taken to the streets as blackouts and water cuts persist in 50C heat, with demonstrations disrupting daily life and hitting hospitals and businesses. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts continue to tighten the noose on journalists, with recent convictions tied to telecommunications and criticism of public institutions, deepening concerns over civic space. Political Intimidation: International condemnation grows after a video circulated online calling for the assassination of Workers’ Party leader Hamma Hammami, with critics saying authorities have failed to act.

Prison & Human Rights: Jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi reportedly fainted in Tunisia’s Mornaguia prison amid a heatwave, with an eyewitness describing extreme temperatures and cramped conditions that raise urgent concerns about his health and the authorities’ duty of care. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts have handed down prison sentences to journalists, including satirical columnist Haythem El Mekki, underscoring how telecom and speech-related laws are being used to curb criticism. Civic Space & Political Intimidation: International condemnation is growing after a video circulated online calling for the assassination of Workers’ Party leader Hamma Hammami, with activists accusing authorities of inaction in a climate of tightening control. Governance & Power Supply Crisis: Tunisia’s electricity and water strain is linked to deadly home power cuts during record heat, reigniting debate over STEG’s underinvestment and the political choices behind service breakdowns. Regional Politics: Hamas elected Khalil al-Hayya to lead its Politburo and called for Palestinian faction unity through an inclusive national dialogue, a development with wider implications for regional diplomacy.

Prison Health Crisis: Tunisia’s jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi reportedly fainted in Mornaguia prison during a heatwave, raising urgent fears for his life and renewed calls for international pressure on authorities. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts delivered another blow to civic space, sentencing journalist Haythem El Mekki to one year in prison and upholding the conviction of Zied El Heni, underscoring how telecom and speech-related laws are being used against media voices. Political Violence Threats: International condemnation followed a viral video calling for the assassination of Workers’ Party Secretary-General Hamma Hammami, with the party accusing authorities of failing to act despite explicit incitement. Transitional Justice Setback: The conviction of Sihem Bensedrine is framed as a threat to transitional justice and a further tightening of restrictions on civil society. Crisis of Governance & Services: Tunisia’s electricity and water strain is linked to deadly home power cuts, with critics pointing to long-running underinvestment and weakened public utilities as the deeper cause.

Tunisia’s Civic Space Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts continue to clamp down on dissent, with satirical journalist Haythem El Mekki sentenced to one year and independent journalist Zied El Heni also upheld on appeal, underscoring the use of telecom and other repressive laws against media voices. Political Violence Concerns: International condemnation grows after a video circulated calling for the assassination of Tunisian Workers’ Party leader Hamma Hammami, with the party alleging authorities have not acted despite the explicit incitement. Energy Crisis Fallout: Rolling power cuts at record scale have been linked by local reporting to deaths after oxygen machines failed during outages, as Tunisia’s grid strain meets years of underinvestment and financial weakening of STEG. Regional Diplomacy: Tunisia’s political neighborhood remains tense as UNSMIL prepares to resume Libya election talks in August, keeping the focus on governance transitions. Tunisia in the Global Tech Debate: Tunisia’s absence from WAICO’s early signatories raises questions about how the country chooses AI governance forums as major powers set competing standards.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s Court of Appeal sentenced journalist Haythem El Mekki to one year in prison and upheld the conviction of Zied El Heni, underscoring the growing use of telecom and old Ben Ali-era laws to curb criticism. Political Intimidation: Global condemnation followed death threats against Tunisian Workers’ Party leader Hamma Hammami after a video circulated calling for his assassination, with the party alleging authorities failed to act. Civic Space & Accountability: A separate case involving the conviction of Sihem Bensedrine was framed as a blow to transitional justice and further restrictions on civic space. Energy Crisis, Human Cost: Rolling power cuts hit Tunisia at scale, with reports of deaths after oxygen machines failed during outages, while unions and workers point to years of underinvestment and weakened STEG capacity. Regional Governance & Rights: Tunisia’s debate on joining international AI governance forums resurfaced after Tunisia was not among the first 29 signatories of WAICO, raising questions about strategy and standards. International Context: The week also saw coverage of EU migration “return hubs” and renewed US-Iran strikes, both feeding into broader rights and security debates that Tunisia’s policymakers and civil society are watching closely.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts keep tightening the noose on independent voices, with satirical journalist Haythem El Mekki sentenced to one year and earlier convictions upheld for Zied El Heni, alongside wider condemnation of legal persecution of journalists. Political Intimidation: International backlash followed death threats against Workers’ Party leader Hamma Hammami after a video circulated calling for his assassination, with critics saying authorities failed to act. Civic Space & Transitional Justice: Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to three years in a case tied to the Gandhi Peace Prize donation, adding to concerns about shrinking civic space and stalled transitional justice. Energy Crisis: Tunisia reported multiple deaths linked to power cuts and oxygen machine failures as rolling outages expand amid extreme heat, with scrutiny on STEG’s weakened capacity and underinvestment. Government-Linked Business: FDH Aero and LATECOERE announced a global hardware supply agreement covering manufacturing sites including Tunisia, signaling continued industrial ties despite the domestic strain. Tech Governance Question: A new analysis asks why Tunisia is missing from early AI governance signatories, raising the issue of how the country chooses international standards.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tunisia’s courts keep tightening the screws on journalists: the Sfax Court of Appeal sentenced satirical journalist Haythem El Mekki to one year in prison, using Telecommunications Code Article 86 after posts about failings at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital; and in the same crackdown wave, Zied El Heni’s one-year sentence was upheld earlier this summer. Political Intimidation: International condemnation followed death threats against Tunisian Workers’ Party Secretary-General Hamma Hammami after a video circulated calling for his assassination, with the party saying authorities have taken no action. Civic Space & Transitional Justice: A new conviction of Sihem Bensedrine is denounced as a blow to Tunisia’s transitional justice process, raising fears of a chilling effect on victims and human rights work. Rule of Law & Lawyers: Lawyers staged a major nationwide strike demanding judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, as civil society faces mounting pressure. Energy Crisis: Tunisia’s rolling power cuts are linked to deaths from oxygen-machine failures during outages, spotlighting deeper grid underinvestment and policy choices.

Tunisia’s Civic Space Under Pressure: Tunisia’s transitional justice is hit again as Sihem Bensedrine is sentenced in cases tied to the Truth and Dignity Commission, raising fears of a chilling effect on victims and human rights work. Press Freedom Crackdown: Journalist Haythem El Mekki is sentenced to one year in prison for “insulting others” via social media, a move rights groups say fits a broader pattern of criminalising media and critics. Rule of Law at Stake: Lawyers staged a major nationwide strike demanding judicial independence and the release of detained colleagues, underscoring mounting tensions around the justice system. Energy Crisis, Human Cost: Reports say five people died after oxygen machines failed during rolling power cuts amid extreme heat, with critics pointing to STEG’s weakened finances and underinvestment. Regional Politics Watch: Tunisia’s wider political environment also echoes in coverage of UNSMIL’s Libya election talks and EU-Tunisia migration deal criticism over rights violations.