In recent weeks, a wave of raids and arrests have targeted opposition figures and government critics in Tunisia. On Saturday, a Tunisian “anti-terrorism” investigative judge imprisoned two prominent politicians, Abdelhamid Jlassi and Khayam al-Turki, as well as high-profile businessman Kamel Ltaif. The defence team for the three said they had boycotted a plea hearing because the conditions for a fair trial had not been met.
The 12 people arrested as of Saturday include Chaima Aissa and Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, leaders of the National Salvation Front opposition coalition, as well as Issam Chebbi, the head of the opposition Jomhouri (Republican) Party. All those arrested were connected to criticism of President Kais Saied or efforts to mobilise protests against him. Last week, Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the opposition Ennahdha party and speaker of an elected parliament that Saied formally dissolved last year, was also summoned for questioning.
Saied has denied a coup, saying his moves were legal and necessary to save Tunisia from chaos. He has called his critics traitors and criminals and has said some of those arrested were behind food shortages that economists have blamed on weak state finances. Earlier this month, he said those arrested had committed “conspiracy against internal and external state security”.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the government’s actions, noting that many had been charged under terrorism laws that allow detention without charges for up to 15 days and ban access to a lawyer for 48 hours. The group’s Tunisia director, Salsabil Chellali, said in a statement that the arrests sent a message that “if you dare to speak out, the president can have you arrested and publicly denounce you while his henchmen try to build up a file against you based on remarks you made or who you met”.
Former colonial power France has also expressed concern over the recent wave of arrests in Tunisia and has called on the Tunisian authorities to ensure respect for individual freedoms and public freedoms, in particular, freedom of expression. In response, the National Salvation Front has promised to continue efforts to unite opposition groups against Saied. It is clear that these arrests are part of a larger effort by the government to silence its critics and consolidate power.