Hundreds Protest in Tunis, Demanding Release of Imprisoned Journalists and Fair Elections

On Saturday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Tunis, Tunisia, calling for the release of imprisoned journalists, activists, and opposition figures, as well as demand, date, elections.

Why this matters: The crackdown on dissent in Tunisia has significant implications for press freedom and democratic values in the region. The suppression of opposition voices and journalists can lead to further political instability and undermine the country's transition to democracy.

Dahmani was arrested on Saturday night after refusing to respond to a summons issued on Thursday for questioning regarding arrest, prominent, media, comments. Dahmani had remarked that Tunisia was not an attractive country to settle, given the plummeting standard of living that was pushing its youth to leave. "What kind of extraordinary country [Tunisia] are we talking about? The one that half of its youth want to leave?" she said.

Other arrests included TV and radio presenter Borhen Bssais and political commentator Mourad Zeghidi, who were held under a "48-hour detention warrant" and will have to appear before an examining magistrate. Zeghidi was arrested in connection with a Facebook post supporting imprisoned journalist Mohamed Boughalleb, who was sentenced to six months in prison for defamation of a public official. France 24 journalist Maryline Dumas was also arrested while filming part of Dahmani's arrest, but later released.

The raid on the Lawyers' House, the first of its kind, was condemned by Laarousi Zguir, head of the Tunis division of the Tunisian Lawyers' Bar. "We were taken by surprise around 8.45pm by the sudden raid of a number of masked individuals who broke our offices' doors and verbally as well as physically assaulted lawyers," Zguir said. He added that "Lawyer Sonia Dahmani has been kidnapped and taken into an unknown location." The lawyers' bar announced a general regional strike in all Tunis courts beginning on Monday after the raid. One lawyer was prominent, criticized, detained, video.

The arrests and raid come amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Tunisia. In September 2022, President Kais Saied issued a decree against spreading false information and rumors online, with prison sentences of up to 10 years. Since then, several bloggers, activists, journalists, and lawyers have faced charges relating to online or public media statements that criticize President Saied and his government. Some political opponents have also been jailed based on the same decree.

Key Takeaways:

• Protesters in Tunis demand release of imprisoned journalists, activists, and opposition figures.
• Call for fair presidential elections amid economic and political crisis.
• Wave of arrests targets journalists, lawyers, activists, and opponents.
• Police arrest lawyer Sonia Dahmani and two journalists, sparking outrage.
• Growing concern over freedom of speech and human rights in Tunisia.