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Protesters in Tunis called their country an “open air prison” due to Kais Saied’s “authoritarian regime” which sent scores to jails on made-up charges to silence dissent.
As the democratic achievements of the Jasmine revolution become a thing of the past, Kais Saied strengthened his grip on state institutions and has been using the judiciary to issue hefty sentences against opposition figures.
International media, including reputable news agencies such as Reuters, documented the erosion of civil society in the country, where activists are deterred by the return of a police state.
Under the slogan “The Republic is a large prison,” protesters marched last weeek in one of the largest protests in the country in recent months, demanding the release of jailed opposition leaders, journalists, and activists.
“No fear, no terror … streets belong to the people” and “The people want the fall of the regime,” were among the slogans chanted by thousands of brave Tunisians unwilling to give in to Kais Saied authoritarian backpedaling.
In 2022, Saied dissolved the independent Supreme Judicial Council and sacked dozens of judges, a move the opposition said was aimed to cement one-man rule.
Most prominent opposition leaders are in prison, including Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist Ennahda party, and Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party.
They are among dozens of politicians, lawyers, and journalists facing lengthy prison sentences under anti-terrorism and conspiracy laws.
Tunisia’s return to authoritarianism was facilitated by a holy alliance between the Tunisian president and the Algerian regime.
Kais Siaed has been replicating the tactics of the Algerian regime in cracking down on dissidents using terrorism charges.
Meanwhile, the economic outlook worsens amid austerity measures and no access to foreign debt, leaving Tunisia on the brink of large-scale unrest.
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