Tunisians Rally for Freedom, Demand Release of Jailed Activists

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the capital of Tunisia on Saturday to protest against the government, advocating under the slogan “opposition is not a crime.” The protesters called for the release of jailed activists following the recent arrests of three opposition figures convicted of “conspiracy” against the state. This rally reflects growing unrest as the country grapples with significant political changes since the Arab Spring.

The protest in Tunis was organized in response to the government’s crackdown on dissent, particularly after the recent conviction of prominent opposition members. Since 2021, when President Kaïs Saïed initiated a sweeping power grab, human rights organizations have reported a considerable erosion of civil liberties in Tunisia. Many critics of the administration have faced prosecution or imprisonment, often under terrorism-related charges or laws intended to suppress the dissemination of what the government deems “false news.”

Participants in the rally displayed portraits of the imprisoned activists, including Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, a leading figure in the opposition. His daughter, Hager Chebbi, voiced her frustration, stating, “Since the coup, things have changed completely. We’ve seen our freedoms taken away gradually, even though we did have a revolution.” She described the current situation as a “descent into hell,” emphasizing the dramatic shift in Tunisia’s political landscape.

The crackdown on dissent has drawn condemnation from international watchdogs. Amnesty International characterized the prosecution of Chebbi and his peers as part of a “blind and repressive escalation” by the authorities. Similarly, Human Rights Watch highlighted that “fifteen years after the revolution, it is as if dictatorship has officially marked its return.” These statements underscore the increasing alarm about the state of democracy in Tunisia.

As Tunisia navigates its post-revolutionary identity, the balance between governance and individual freedoms remains precarious. Saturday’s protests serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in a nation that once inspired hope for democratic reform in the region. The actions of the Tunisian government continue to attract scrutiny, with many calling for accountability and the restoration of fundamental rights.

In this charged atmosphere, the future of Tunisia’s political landscape hangs in the balance, as citizens rally for their voices to be heard and their rights to be restored.