Tunisian judges denounce 'interference' by Ministry of Justice in judiciary

The Tunisian Judges Association has publicly denounced what it describes as "interference" by the Ministry of Justice in the country's judicial system. The association alleges that the ministry has been "illegally and arbitrarily" imposing disciplinary measures against magistrates throughout the 2025 judicial year.

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interference

In a statement, the organization reported that governmental authorities issued approximately 1,700 disciplinary notifications against judges. The association characterized this as a "policy of harassment, reprisal, and punishment" targeting the Tunisian judiciary. These notifications were reportedly issued for activities such as engaging in union work, publicly criticizing the state of the Tunisian judicial system, or without any objective criteria.

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illegal and arbitrary

The association further stated that directives issued by the Minister of Justice not only constitute "clear legal violations" but have also degraded the professional reputation of Tunisian judges to an "unprecedented level." Additionally, the judges' group highlighted restrictions on judges' travel, both within and outside the country, which they deem "illegitimate restrictions" on a right recognized by Tunisian legislation.

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a policy of harassment, reprisal, and punishment

In response to these alleged actions, the judges are demanding the reinstatement of the Supreme Judicial Council (CSM). This council was dissolved in 2022 by President Kais Saied and is considered by the judges' association to be the "only authorized body" responsible for overseeing their professional careers and the "main guarantor" of judicial independence. The judges urged the government to cease any interference in their professional trajectories and to abandon its "authoritarian approach," which they claim has escalated from an "abuse of power to an excess of arbitrariness."

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clear legal violations