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Tunisia

القانون الأساسي عدد 22 لسنة 2016 المتعلّق بالحق في النّفاذ الى المعلومة / Loi organique n° 2016-22 du 24 mars 2016

القانون الأساسي عدد 22 لسنة 2016 المتعلّق بالحق في النّفاذ الى المعلومة / Loi organique n° 2016-22 du 24 mars 2016, relative au droit d'accès à l'information (Organic Law No. 2016-22 of March 24, 2016, on the Right of Access to Information)

RTI Rating: 119 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
20 days
Extension
10 days
Residency Required
None

20 days from receipt of request (standard). 10 days for on-site consultation requests only. Extension of 10 additional days permitted when requests involve multiple documents or units, with notification to requester.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • {'notes': 'Written requests in Arabic or French', 'method': 'written'}
  • {'notes': 'Electronic submission accepted', 'method': 'electronic'}

Both natural and legal persons, citizens and non-citizens, may submit written requests without providing reasons. Requests may be submitted in Arabic or French.

Required Elements

  • Description of information sought
  • Contact information

Fees

Access to information is free. Reproduction fees may apply if providing copies or delivery requires actual costs, but fees must not exceed organization actual costs. Requesters receive advance notice of any charges.

Exemptions

  • National Security
    Information affecting national security
  • National Defence
    Information affecting national defence
  • International Relations
    Information affecting international relations
  • Privacy and Personal Data
    Personal information and privacy protection
  • Intellectual Property
    Intellectual property rights protection
  • Serious Harm
    Information causing serious harm to protected interests

All exemptions require demonstrating serious harm and are subject to public interest override. Disclosure is MANDATORY when revealing human rights violations, war crimes, or threats to health, safety, or environment, even if protected interests are harmed. Strong public interest override provision (RTI Rating strength).

Appeal Process

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1

2

2

3

3

Two-tier administrative process: (1) internal agency review (10-day response), (2) independent INAI review (45-day binding decision). Judicial review available as third tier. INAI is independent oversight authority with investigative powers, binding decision authority, and reporting obligations to highest government levels.

Sources & References