Corona and Democracy - Tunisia

On this page, we are collecting information on the effects of the measures taken to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus on democracy in Tunisia.

Information on COVID-19 measures and democracy
Type of measures Measures & sources
Limitations to freedom of movement

   13 March:

  • All cultural, sports and economic gatherings are banned
  • Mosques are closed
  • restaurants and cafés are closed at 4 p.m.
  • Universities are closed
  • Intercity travel is not permitted 
  • A curfew is in place from 8pm to 6am
  • anyone moving from one red zone to another less contaminated zone must be placed in self-isolation for at least 14 days.

   4 May:

  • Some government administrations, public transport and construction projects are allowed to reopen.

   13 May:

  • The curfew is modified to 11pm to 5 am

    21 May:

  • Tunisia will reopen mosques, restaurants and cafes as of June 4
  • Universities can reopen June 8

8 June:

  • After already opening most businesses, mosques and hotels, Tunisia has now lifted the curfew
Limitations to electoral rights
  • Municipal elections in Hassi El Ferid and Jbeniana have been postponed
Limitation to civil rights
  • Tunisia's large informal economy makes that large parts of the population have been affected by the measures, without being addressed by the socio-economic recovery package decided on bay the government.
  • Migrants are particularly hard-hit by the measures, with 53% of them losing their jobs. The government is working with the IOM to address the issue.
Risks to data security
  • The E7mi coronavirus tracking app was launched on 27 May. It was developed by a local tech company, and uses bluetooth technology. Personal data will be archived for fourteen days under the control of the National Personal Data Protection Authority and will only be used by ONME for contacting people about coronavirus
  • Police robots patrol the streets of the capital, checking exit permits and reprimanding those who spend too much time on the streets. Soon, drones with thermal cameras will be used to measure fever in crowds from a distance.
Limitations to freedom of information
  • Civil society fears that attention is turned away from arrests of political dissidents and journalists, under different laws such as "inciting hate between religious groups", or under anti-drug laws.
Emergency powers for government

The state of emergency in Tunisia was first declared on Nov. 24, 2015, following a bloody bomb attack on a bus of the presidential guards, killing 12 agents.

The state of emergency grants the minister of the interior exceptional powers that include banning meetings, imposing curfews, shop inspections during the day and night, as well as monitoring the press, publications, radio broadcasts, movies and theatrical performances, without the need to obtain prior permission from the judiciary,

   January 31: 

  • Extension of state of emergency with three months

   March 18:

  • Tunisia’s president decreed exceptional measures necessitated by “imminent danger”, including a 12-hour daily curfew. Armed forces were deployed to enforce it, but it is essential to clearly define the rules of engagement, and not solely rely on the discretionary power of officers.

   March 31:

  • President Kais Saied announced that the emergency restrictions currently in place to prevent further spread of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended through Sunday, April 19.

   April 30:

  • The state of emergency is extended with 30 days.
Corona laws - full text

 
Various
  •  The holy month of Ramadan fell completely within the period of lockdown, with muslims celebrating Eid Al Fitr under social distancing restrictions
Last updated on 10.06.2020

 

Please note that we are constantly updating the information under rapidly changing circumstances, the information on this page should not be taken to be a complete overview of measures in a country. 

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