• Mustapha Djemali is a Swiss-Tunisian citizen detained in Tunisia.
• He has been accused of campaigning for refugees and considered as acting against the state.
• Human rights organizations are advocating for Djemali’s immediate release.
• His family in Geneva claims the Swiss government is doing too little.
• Djemali faces harsh conditions in detention, according to Amnesty International.
• Tunisia’s tough migration policy is linked to agreements with the EU.
• Djemali previously worked with the UN refugee agency and sought housing for asylum seekers.

Swiss-Tunisian Citizen Detained for Activism

Mustapha Djemali, a Swiss-Tunisian dual citizen, has found himself in a dire situation since May 2024 in Tunisia. Detained for more than a year, he faces accusations of campaigning for refugees, which the Tunisian authorities classify as an “act against the state.” Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have expressed serious concerns and are advocating for his immediate release, highlighting the implications of his treatment under the current governance.

Concerns Raised About Swiss Government Action

Djemali’s family, residing in Geneva, has reported that the Swiss government has not taken adequate steps to facilitate his release. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) sources have indicated that they are monitoring the situation closely and are engaged at a high diplomatic level regarding Djemali’s case. However, a significant limitation they point out is that consular support for individuals with dual nationality like Djemali can often be restricted, raising questions about the extent of Switzerland’s responsibility.

Tough Migration Policies Impact Human Rights

The challenges surrounding Mustapha Djemali’s detention come amidst a broader context of Tunisia’s harsh migration policies, which have reportedly intensified due to a deal with the European Union. Under President Kais Saied’s administration, Tunisia has been cracking down on refugees and their aides as part of an aggressive strategy to curb illegal migration to Europe. Djemali, with a history of working with the UN refugee agency, was arrested alongside his project manager during a raid amid controversies surrounding his efforts to assist asylum seekers, positioning his humanitarian work as perceived threats under the current regime.

The case of Mustapha Djemali shines a light on the precarious situation for activists in Tunisia, especially those advocating for refugee rights. His detention raises important questions about the responsibilities of countries like Switzerland regarding their citizens abroad. As the situation continues, the call for Djemali’s release is echoing louder from various human rights groups and concerned family members.