Tunisian court condemns activists

A Tunisian court sentenced ten environmental activists to prison terms ranging from one year to six months, with some sentences suspended, due to their participation in a sit-in near an industrial complex in Gabes in 2020. The court confirmed the damage caused to the Tunisian Chemical Complex, which environmental activists accuse of contributing to local pollution and causing poisoning cases. Authorities had filed a complaint against the activists, alleging that they disrupted work, and they faced convictions in absentia since 2023. Human rights organizations condemned the use of severe penalties in response to peaceful environmental protests.