Six humanitarian workers from the Tunisian branch of the French NGO Terre d’Asile were released overnight after spending more than 20 months in detention. They had been on trial for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry and residence of migrants, accusations their lawyers reject, arguing the team was assisting asylum seekers under a programme approved by the Tunisian government. Former director Sherifa Riahi was among those freed, with her support committee posting a video of her leaving prison. According to her lawyer, the court issued a two‑year suspended sentence for the detained defendants, including Riahi. The court is expected to announce the remaining rulings for defendants who were not jailed. Seventeen Sousse municipal council members also face charges for allowing the NGO to use municipal premises.

Funny, isn’t it? Muslim governments routinely treat their own ‘brothers’ with far less tolerance than the West ever does.

janus