Tunisia

Persecution of Christians in Tunisia is markedly higher than last year. This includes a slight increase in violence. It suggests the regime is tightening its grip. Persecution is strongest in the private, national and church spheres. This is typical for a situation in which dictatorial paranoia is the leading persecution engine. Persecution in Tunisia is increasingly shaped by Islamic extremism. Pressure on Christians is highest in the family sphere, followed by the private, church and community spheres. The terrorist attacks aimed at tourists in 2015 spread fear among the country’s Christian population. Although they do not only target Christians, the presence of Islamic terrorists has a severe psychological impact on them.