Hundreds Rally in Tunis to Support President Kais Saied

TUNIS, TUNISIA — On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered in Tunis to show their support for President Kais Saied, amidst a wave of domestic and international criticism following recent arrests of journalists, activists, and lawyers.

The demonstrations took place against a backdrop of growing concerns from the European Union, France, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over Tunisia’s commitment to civil liberties and free speech.

The controversy intensified after a police raid on the headquarters of the bar association earlier this month led to the detention of two lawyers critical of President Saied. In total, police have arrested ten individuals, including journalists and civil society officials.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned these actions as part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

In response to these arrests, Tunisian lawyers went on strike last week, alleging that one of the detained lawyers had been tortured.

This claim has been denied by the Interior Ministry. Facing mounting international pressure, President Saied requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon several ambassadors to protest their countries' perceived interference in Tunisia's internal affairs.

Supporters of Saied, many of whom arrived by bus from outside the capital, marched down Habib Bourguiba Street, carrying portraits of the president and banners demanding non-interference from Western countries.

The demonstrators chanted slogans in favor of Saied, asserting, "The people want Kais Saied," and expressing their opposition to foreign intervention and domestic dissenters.

"We are here to support Saied. We are against foreign intervention and traitors," said Ammar Hassen, a 37-year-old protester. He accused Western countries of using their influence to destabilize Tunisia through local collaborators.

President Saied, who assumed office following free elections in 2019, has faced increasing scrutiny since he dissolved the parliament two years later and began ruling by decree.

He has consistently labeled his critics, including activists and civil society groups, as traitors. Many opposition leaders, including Abir Moussa, leader of the Free Constitutional Party, and Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist Ennahdha Party, have been imprisoned for months.

As Tunisia navigates this turbulent period, the international community continues to watch closely.

The balance between maintaining order and upholding democratic principles and human rights remains a critical issue for Saied's administration. The demonstrations in Tunis underscore the deep divisions within the country and the challenges ahead for its leadership.