Hundreds of protesters stormed Tunis, the capital of Tunisia to demand the release of imprisoned journalists, activists, and opposition figures, along with the announcement of a date for fair presidential elections.
The protest on Sunday coincided with a period of economic and political turmoil, marked by a wave of arrests targeting journalists, lawyers, activists, and government critics.
Recent events have fueled concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and freedoms in Tunisia.
On Saturday, Tunisian police raided the Deanship of Lawyers building and arrested Sonia Dahmani, a lawyer known for her vocal criticism of President Kais Saied. Additionally, two journalists were detained on the same day.
Despite assurances from the Election Commission that elections will proceed as scheduled, no official date has been announced.
President Saied, who assumed office after free elections in 2019, has faced criticism for consolidating power and curtailing democratic institutions. His actions, including the dissolution of parliament and the assumption of judicial control, have been labeled as authoritarian by the opposition.
Saied has defended his actions, accusing opposition figures of prioritizing personal ambitions over democratic principles. He contends that the opposition boycotted parliamentary elections and focused solely on presidential contests.
However, the opposition argues that the current political climate is not conducive to free and fair elections, citing restrictions on press freedom and the incarceration of prominent political figures. They demand a transparent electoral process and an end to repression against journalists, lawyers, and activists.
Imed Khemiri, a senior official in the Ennahda party, expressed concern over the authoritarian turn of events, particularly the recent raid on the lawyers’ headquarters. He emphasized the need for a political environment that respects civil liberties and fosters democratic participation.
Amidst the crackdown, potential presidential candidates face obstacles. Abir Moussa remains in prison, while Mondher Zanaidi announced his candidacy from France to evade potential arrest in Tunisia. President Saied has denounced such actions, accusing candidates of betrayal and seeking refuge abroad.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: First person to receive pig kidney transplant dies two months after procedure