A post published on October 24, 2025 by activist Hela Ben Salem revealed the administrative suspension of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women (ATFD) for a period of one month.
This decision, not yet confirmed by an official document, would be based on “violations” of Decree-Law No. 88 of 2011, which governs associations in Tunisia.
According to the activist, these would mainly be administrative delays in the transmission of compliance documents, irregularities that the association would have regularized from 2024 following a warning from the government.
Created in 1989, the ATFD has established itself as a reference in Tunisian feminism. Its counseling and guidance centers welcome hundreds of women victims of violence each year, offering them legal, psychological and social support.
For many activists, the suspension of these activities, even temporarily, risks weakening the care of women in distress and weakening one of the rare spaces for independent listening and advocacy.
In her message, Hela Ben Salem denounces a measure “with political dimensions”, believing that it reflects the progressive tightening of civil space and “the desire to silence free voices”.
A measure in a context of increased control
This file comes in a climate of increased surveillance of associations.
As Webdo recently analyzed in “Tunisia: the State relaunches the hunt for foreign funds in the associative sector”
the authorities have increased checks on financing, internal governance and reporting obligations.
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Tunisia: The State relaunches the hunt for foreign funds in the associative sector
In this context, the suspension of the ATFD illustrates the shift from a policy of administrative regulation towards closer surveillance of the associative fabric, where the transparency invoked by the State comes up against the fear of excessive supervision of freedoms.
The LTDH denounces a “serious attack on freedoms”
In a post published on its official Facebook page, the Tunisian League for Human Rights (LTDH) expressed its “absolute solidarity and unconditional support” for the ATFD.
She considers this suspension “a serious violation of freedom of association and a blow to the independence of the civil movement”. The LTDH recalls that the ATFD, “a free voice and defender of women’s rights, equality and social justice”, plays a crucial role in preserving democratic achievements and the fight against violence against women.
Finally, she considers that this measure is part of “a general context of increasing restrictions”, contrary to Tunisia’s international commitments in terms of human rights.
For feminist activists, the measure jeopardizes the ability of independent structures to pursue their social mission in an increasingly restrictive administrative environment.
At a time when Tunisia is demanding transparency and rigor, the debate remains unanswered: how to reconcile legitimate control and protection of freedom of association?
