Capital of Tunisia; political, economic, and cultural hub
Protests surge as Tunisia faces extreme heat, water and power shortages, with opposition groups criticizing President Kais Saied’s leadership. Demonstrators demand restored public services, release of detainees, and steps toward political reform amid ongoing economic strain.
The UN-backed 4+4 committee has forged an initial framework to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months under a unified executive. While rival institutions signaled tentative support, implementation remains the biggest hurdle as divisions persist and power-sharing is tested.
Rights groups have reported at least 10 prisoner deaths in Tunisia during a severe August heatwave, citing overcrowding, water and power cuts and poor medical care; the Committee to Protect Journalists has urged release of jailed Tunisian reporters. In Iran, courts have handed death sentences to two women over January protests and lawmakers are considering a bill that would criminalise contact with foreign media, curbing reporting and international engagement.
Gaza flotilla activists have joined Wael Naouar’s hunger strike in Tunisian custody amid a probe into alleged financial flows. The detainees’ health is deteriorating as a Tunisian court weighs extending pre-trial detention for six months.
Amnesty International has urged Algeria to abandon plans to expand the death penalty after deadly wildfires and President Tebboune's push to amend the Penal Code to include arson and other crimes. While authorities report 12 deaths, rights groups say casualties are higher and accuse the government of politicising the crisis. The government is examining draft amendments; Amnesty calls for a moratorium toward abolition.
In Tunisia, four Global Sumud Flotilla activists remain in pre-trial detention as protests grow and global pressure mounts. Wael Naouar’s health deteriorates during a prolonged hunger strike, while supporters say the case targets civil society amid fears of a broader crackdown.
Protests led by UGTT and opposition groups have converged in Tunis amid an economic crisis, demanding freedom, the release of critics, and an end to restrictions on trade union rights. Police are deployed as demonstrators call for the president’s limits on power to be rolled back.
A Tunisian court has sentenced former Ennahda acting leader Mondher Ounissi to nine years and journalist Zied El Heni to four years in a case connected to leaked audio and terrorism charges. Several defendants tried in absentia receive long terms. The cases follow President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power and mounting pressure on dissent.
Protests over living conditions and police brutality have escalated in Tunisia. In Ettadhamen and Jebeniana, security forces have used tear gas to disperse demonstrators after deaths linked to police actions. Students in Sfax join a strike over medical services and a broader economic crisis fueling public anger.
Egypt has ordered the closure of independent outlet Mada Masr, fined editor‑in‑chief Lina Attalah three million Egyptian pounds and has briefly detained her after a Cairo misdemeanour court ruling. Authorities have also detained six staff from fact‑checking platform Matsdaash, who lawyers say have reported torture and forced confessions; rights groups have condemned the actions.
Unions across 22 countries have launched a coordinated day of action, demanding an end to Middle East wars and the militarization of ports. The protests involve more than 110 ports, with disruptions reported in several major hubs; experts say the broader supply chain impact will likely be limited.