Prostitution in Tunisia

Prostitution in Tunisia is illegal, but, as in many other countries, the laws that ban prostitution are ignored and there are many brothels, tolerated and regulated by the authorities.

The 2009 Human Rights Practices Report states: "The penal code prohibits prostitution with penalties of up to two years' imprisonment. Few persons were convicted of violating this law. However, there were government-sanctioned brothels in which the workers reportedly had regular medical exams."

Since the resignation of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, there is public pressure for brothels to close.