Tunisians intensify their demonstrations against Saied, calling for the restoration of democracy

Thousands of Tunisians gathered in the capital on Saturday to protest against “injustice and repression,” alleging that President Kais Saied is solidifying one-man rule through the judiciary and police.

The protest marked the most recent event in a series that has engulfed Tunisia, involving journalists, doctors, banks, and public transport systems. Many have called for the shutdown of a chemical plant due to environmental concerns.

The protesters, clad in black, conveyed their anger and sorrow regarding what they referred to as Tunisia’s shift into a “open-air prison”. Banners were raised with messages stating “Enough repression” and “No fear, no terror, the streets belong to the people”.

The rally united activists, NGOs, and diverse parties from across the spectrum in an uncommon show of solidarity against Saied.

This highlights Tunisia’s significant political and economic crisis, presenting a substantial challenge to Saied, who took power in 2021 and began governing by decree.

The protesters raised their voices with chants such as “We are suffocating!”, “Enough of tyranny!” and “The people want the fall of the regime!”.

“Saied has transformed the nation into a vast prison, and we will never surrender,” Ezzedine Hazgui, father of imprisoned politician Jawhar Ben Mbark, stated to Reuters.

Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and journalists are all alleging that Saied is employing the judiciary and police to suppress dissent.

In the previous month, three notable civil rights organizations declared that their operations had been halted by the authorities due to accusations of foreign funding.

Amnesty International has reported that the suppression of rights organizations has escalated to alarming levels, characterized by arbitrary arrests, detentions, asset freezes, banking restrictions, and suspensions affecting 14 NGOs.

Critics argue that Saied has undermined the autonomy of the judiciary. In 2022, he disbanded the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissed numerous judges — actions that opposition groups and rights advocates criticized as a coup.
The majority of opposition leaders and numerous critics are currently incarcerated.

Saied refutes claims of having turned into a dictator or employing the judiciary against his adversaries, asserting that he is purging Tunisia of “traitors”.