Tunisian President Saied Dismisses Criticism, Insists Arrests Necessary For National Security

• Tunisian President Kais Saied defends recent arrests of journalists, commentators, and lawyers, despite international backlash.
• Hundreds protest in Tunis, decrying arrests and crackdown on dissent, chanting “Freedom!” and “The police state belongs in the past!”
• Arrests occur under Decree 54, which punishes “spreading false information” with up to five years in prison, sparking concerns over human rights and rule of law in Tunisia.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Tunisian President Kais Saied defended recent arrests of journalists, commentators, and lawyers, despite international backlash.

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Civil society condemned the arrests as a crackdown on dissent, while Saied maintained they were lawful.

He summoned foreign ambassadors, asserting Tunisia’s independence.

The European Union and United States expressed concern, citing contradictions with the country’s constitution.

Hundreds protested in Tunis, including lawyers and activists, decrying the arrests of Sonia Dahmani and Mehdi Zagrouba.

Demonstrators chanted “Freedom!” and “The police state belongs in the past!” outside the main courthouse.

Recent days saw arrests of prominent figures, including pundits, journalists, and civil society leaders.

Masked police raided the bar association, detaining Dahmani, Borhen Bssais, and Mourad Zeghidi.

Zagrouba was forcibly arrested and hospitalized, with signs of violence and torture.

The interior ministry denied allegations, accusing critics of trying to escape justice.

Saied justified the arrests, citing Tunisian law and equality.

However, many arrests occurred under Decree 54, which punishes “spreading false information” with up to five years in prison.

Over 60 journalists, lawyers, and opposition figures have been prosecuted since its enactment.

Around 40 public figures, including political opponents, former ministers, and businessmen, are detained for an alleged “plot against state security”.

Human Rights Watch noted Tunisia’s “further regression” in human rights and rule of law in 2023, citing Saied’s unchecked power.

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The government has muzzled free speech, prosecuted dissent, and cracked down on migrants and asylum seekers.

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