US-Backed Tunisia Silences More Dissent, Media Asks 'What Crackdown?'
Tunisia's government has suspended the World Organisation Against Torture, making it the latest independent human rights group to be silenced. This follows other groups targeted by President Kais Saied's administration, which has steadily eroded democratic gains since his 2021 power grab. (Source: The New Arab). The U.S. State Department, while occasionally murmuring about 'concerns,' continues to
provide substantial aid to Tunisia. Biden's administration approved $100 million in economic support for Tunisia in 2022, effectively subsidizing Saied's consolidation of power while he dismantles civil society. One might wonder at what point 'ongoing crackdown' just becomes 'official policy,' especially when key international players continue funding the very mechanisms of oppression. How many
human rights groups need to be shuttered before the 'concerns' translate into actual policy change, rather than just more checks for 'stability'?