Political activists and families of detainees join protests in Tunisia against government crackdown

Tunisians Protest Against President Saied’s Crackdown on Freedoms

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in central Tunis on Saturday to protest President Kais Saied’s tightening grip on power and to demand the release of political prisoners. The demonstration reflected growing discontent over political and economic turmoil under his administration.

Mass Rally in Downtown Tunis

The rally, held under the banner “Against Injustice,” united families of detained activists and protesters from diverse political backgrounds. Organizers estimated more than 1,000 participants, some dressed in black, chanting slogans such as “The people want to overthrow the regime,” “Oppression and tyranny!” and “No fear, no terror, the street belongs to the people.”

Protests in Tunis are part of a wider wave of demonstrations across the country, responding to what critics describe as President Saied’s authoritarian measures. On Thursday, journalists staged protests against media restrictions and the temporary suspension of several civil society organizations.

Concerns Over Judicial Interference and Political Repression

Protesters accused Saied of meddling in the judiciary and using police to suppress opposition. Ayoub Amara, one of the organizers, told reporters that the demonstration highlighted the plight of political detainees. He also referenced broader grievances, including environmental protests in Gabes and arbitrary arrests under anti-terrorism laws.

“All the progress of the past 14 years has been overturned,” Amara said. “Tunisia is big enough for all Tunisians. No single person can rule it according to his whims.”

Monia Brahim, wife of imprisoned opposition figure Abdelhamid Jlassi, said she marched to defend citizens’ rights. “Political prisoners are held for their principles and constitutional rights,” she told The Associated Press. “They are paying the price for civil and political activism under today’s regime.”

Hunger Strikes and Detentions

Among those detained are individuals on hunger strikes, including constitutional law professor Jawher Ben Mbarek, who has been striking for more than 20 days. Human rights organizations have expressed growing concern over Tunisia’s expanding crackdown.

Human Rights Watch reported that over 50 people—including politicians, journalists, lawyers, and activists—have faced arbitrary arrest or prosecution since late 2022. Many were targeted for exercising freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, or political activity.

The rights group also warned that broad anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws are being used to criminalize dissent and restrict all forms of free speech.

Saied’s Justification

President Saied, who suspended parliament and centralized power in July 2021, has defended his actions as necessary to combat corruption, remove “traitors,” and restore state institutions. Critics, however, argue that these measures undermine democracy and roll back the gains achieved since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution.

The protests reflect a growing frustration with economic hardship, political repression, and perceived erosion of civil liberties. Observers warn that without a return to inclusive governance, tensions in Tunisia may continue to rise.

Context of Ongoing Political Crisis

Tunisia has faced repeated waves of protests since the Arab Spring, but Saied’s consolidation of power has escalated concerns about authoritarianism. The country’s political deadlock and rising unemployment have intensified public grievances, prompting citizens to call for accountability, the release of political prisoners, and respect for civil rights.

The demonstrations on Saturday underline a broader struggle for freedom and justice in Tunisia, highlighting the fragile state of democracy in the country nearly 14 years after the revolution that ended decades of autocratic rule.