Tunisians demonstrate against Saied in response to arrests and economic difficulties

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in the capital on Saturday, Tunis, to protest against President Kais Saied. They accused him of undermining freedoms and overseeing a deteriorating economic and social crisis.

The demonstration took place with the rallying cry, “The people are hungry and prisons are full.”

Protesters demanded the cessation of autocratic governance and displayed banners condemning the detention of politicians, journalists, and civil society leaders amid rising fears of an expanding suppression of dissent.

Protesters expressed their discontent regarding what they described as Saied’s inability to address the economic crisis while alleging that he employed the judiciary and police to suppress dissenting voices.

Tunisia is experiencing significant economic challenges, characterized by slow growth, rising prices, shortages of medicines and certain food items, financial pressures, and declining public services.

Saied, who disbanded parliament and started governing by decree in 2022, has encountered increasing criticism from human rights organizations regarding what they describe as the erosion of the democratic framework established after 2011.

Saied dismisses those allegations, asserting that his actions are essential to protect the nation from disorder and corruption.

The bar association has announced plans for strikes in the upcoming days in response to the erosion of judicial independence. Meanwhile, the journalists’ union is organizing protests against the imprisonment of journalists and the restrictions imposed on press freedom.

Officials assert that they are upholding the law and dismiss claims of political oppression.