Tunisia Lifts Temporary Suspension of Young Doctors Organization

Tunis, Tunisia – In a swift turn of events, the Tunisian government has rescinded its decision to suspend the activities of the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors (OTJM). The organization, which had its operations temporarily halted for a month, announced the lifting of the suspension just five days after the initial decree, following a series of dialogues with state authorities.

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a victory for the right of organizations to "operate, express themselves and organize".

The OTJM had vehemently contested the suspension, which was justified by the government on grounds of alleged "administrative irregularities." The organization's president, Wajih Dhokkar, had firmly rejected these claims, asserting that the OTJM had not received any public funds or foreign donations, and was committed to transparency. The group emphasized its dedication to upholding the integrity of its actions and its historical role in advocating for public hospitals and healthcare professionals.

This revocation is being hailed by the OTJM as a significant victory for civil society and the fundamental right to organize, speak, and operate without undue government interference. The organization reiterated its commitment to continue its "responsible fight" in defense of public health services and the rights of medical practitioners.

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categorically rejected any attempt to "cast doubt" on its integrity and the "legitimacy of its union and national actions", and assured that such attempts would not "deter it from fulfilling its historic role".

The swift reversal comes amid broader concerns about the state of freedoms in Tunisia since President Kais Saied assumed expanded powers in 2021. Several other organizations, including Lawyers Without Borders and the Tunisian League for the Defense of Human Rights (LTDH), have also faced similar suspensions, raising alarms among rights groups about a deteriorating climate for dissent and critical voices.

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the fight responsible