A Tunisian court has released several humanitarian workers who were accused of helping undocumented migrants, after sentencing them to suspended prison terms for allegedly facilitating the “illegal entry and residence” of foreign nationals.
The ruling was announced on Tuesday by a support committee representing the workers, who are members of a local non-governmental organisation. The group had been on trial for months in a case that drew criticism from human rights activists and international observers.
Although the court found the workers guilty, it issued suspended sentences, allowing them to remain free unless they commit another offence during the suspension period.
According to the support committee, the charges stemmed from the workers’ efforts to provide shelter, medical care, and legal assistance to sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisia. Authorities claimed the workers violated official procedures, while supporters argued they were responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
Tunisia has become a major transit route for migrants seeking to reach Europe. Many migrants face dangerous journeys, poor living conditions, discrimination, and abuse. With limited government support, civil society groups have often stepped in to provide essential assistance.
Human rights organisations strongly criticised the trial, describing it as an attempt to criminalise humanitarian work. Groups such as Amnesty International had called for all charges to be dropped, insisting that the workers were offering life-saving support.
Legal experts warned that, despite the workers’ release, the verdict could discourage other organisations from helping migrants due to fear of prosecution.
The case comes as Tunisia faces growing international scrutiny over its migration policies and cooperation with European countries on border control. Advocacy groups continue to urge the government to uphold human rights standards and protect those who assist vulnerable migrant communities.