Tunisia’s Political Crisis: Thousands Protest Against President’s Authoritarian Rule
Protests Against Saied’s Rule
Hundreds of Tunisians staged two protest rallies on Wednesday, demanding the release of political prisoners and decrying the authoritarian rule of President Kais Saied. The rallies highlight the opposition’s growing concerns about what it sees as Saied’s muzzling of dissent and efforts to establish one-man rule, accusations he denies.
Saied’s Seizure of Power
In 2021, Saied seized extra powers when he shut down the elected parliament and moved to rule by decree, assuming authority over the judiciary. The opposition described his move as a coup.
Protest Rallies
Supporters of the opposition Free Constitutional Party gathered in the capital Tunis to demand the release of their detained leader Abir Moussi. They chanted slogans such as "Saied, dictator, your turn has come," and "Free Abir." Hundreds of supporters of another opposition party, the Salvation Front, staged a separate rally, also in Tunis, to demand the release of detained politicians, activists, and journalists.
Hunger Strike
Six prominent opposition figures detained on conspiracy charges have begun a hunger strike in prison to protest against their impending trial, their lawyers said on Wednesday. Abdelhamid Jelassi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Khiyam Turki, Ridha Belhaj, Issam Chebbi, and Ghazi Chaouachi – all detained in 2023 during a crackdown on the opposition – have refused to participate in what they say is an "unfair trial."
Government Response
Saied said in 2023 that the detainees were "traitors and terrorists" and that the judges who acquitted them were their accomplices. The government says there is democracy in Tunisia, and Saied claims he will not be a dictator, but that what he calls a corrupt elite must be held accountable.
Conclusion
The protests and hunger strike are a sign of growing opposition to Saied’s authoritarian rule, which has led to the imprisonment of many opposition leaders. The situation in Tunisia remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.
FAQs
Q: What did President Kais Saied do in 2021?
A: He seized extra powers by shutting down the elected parliament and moving to rule by decree, assuming authority over the judiciary.
Q: Why are opposition leaders in prison?
A: They have been detained on conspiracy charges, with many refusing to participate in what they say is an "unfair trial."
Q: What do protesters demand?
A: The release of political prisoners and an end to Saied’s authoritarian rule.
Q: What is the government’s response?
A: The government claims there is democracy in Tunisia, and Saied says he will not be a dictator, but that what he calls a corrupt elite must be held accountable.