Tunisians protest against President Kais Saied's authoritarian rule on July 25 anniversary
On July 25, 2021, Saied suspended parliament, dismissed his prime minister and invoked a state of emergency to begin ruling by decree. Though some cheered his efforts, critics called the moves a coup and said the events marked the beginning of Tunisia's descent toward authoritarianism.
Crowds on Friday marched through the capital chanting 'no fear, no terror, power to the people,' carrying portraits of political prisoners and a cage that organizers said represented the state of political life in Tunisia.
The country's most prominent opposition figures are behind bars, including Rached Ghannouchi, the head of the Islamist Ennahda party, and Abir Moussi, leader of the right-wing Free Destourian Party.
Women led much of the chanting, demanding the release of imprisoned opposition figures from across the political spectrum, including Moussi and attorney Sonia Dahmani.
The two are among those who have been imprisoned since Saied's power grab as Tunisia's once-vibrant civil society has gradually been suppressed. Activists, journalists, dissidents and opposition figures have faced jail time, including many who have been charged with undermining state security.
July 25 also marks the anniversary of Tunisia's declaration as a republic in 1957. It later became the rallying cry of the pro-Saied 'July 25 Movement,' which pushed for a crackdown on the country's largely unpopular political class.
Samir Dilou, a former government minister and member of Ennahda, said Saied had forever changed the day's meaning. 'July 25 used to mark the Republic's founding. Now, it marks its dismantling. Absolute power is absolute corruption," he said.
Tunisia's political turmoil has unfolded against a backdrop of economic hardship and deepening public disillusionment.
Amnesty International in a report last June wrote that the country's authorities have intensified their crackdown on opposition voices and used vague legal justifications to target marginalized groups.
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Newsweek
19 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Thailand and Cambodia to Meet for Ceasefire Talks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Leaders of Thailand and Cambodia are scheduled to sit down in Malaysia for ceasefire talks on Monday, the Associated Press reported. Newsweek has reached out to the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministries for comment via email on Sunday. Why It Matters Border fighting between the two countries over the past four days has drawn international calls for a ceasefire, as 34 people have been killed and more than 168,000 have been displaced, according to the AP. The fighting erupted Thursday after a land mine explosion killed five Thai soldiers, with each country accusing the other of starting the war. The conflict is part of a decades-long border dispute. 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Chicago Tribune
2 hours ago
- Chicago Tribune
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Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Extremist rebels capture remote but key town in central Somalia
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