Tunisian President is at it again with his refusal to tolerate any dissent, as Abir Moussi–the well-known leader of the Free Destourian Party (Free Constitutional Party) and a staunch opponent of President Kaiss Saied–was the latest critic of the autocrat to be apprehended by Tunisian authorities. She was arrested on Tuesday at the gate to the Carthage presidential palace. In light of Saied’s political opponents’ detention in recent months, international democratic watchdogs have ramped up their concern about the nation’s state of affairs.
Moussi’s arrest came with a list of charges–as stated by her lawyers–which include processing personal data, obstructing the right to work, and assault intended to cause chaos. However, Tunisian authorities have yet to issue an official statement with explanations regarding these allegations.
Abir Moussi was a staunch supporter of late Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali–whose regime itself did not exactly constitute a bastion of libertarianism, either—and who was overthrown following huge protests in 2011.
Moussi has accused Saied of ruling outside the law and as a result organized numerous protests against his leadership. Her detention has angered her supporters, prompting demonstrations in front of the La Goulette police station, where she is being held.
Tunisian authorities have arrested several political figures this year whom Kais Saied has labeled as terrorists and traitors.
Tunisia’s political climate has been chaotic since Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree.
Tunisia’s political landscape is facing deep divisions and instability. Jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, of the Tunisian Islamo-conservative movement Ennahda, had initiated a three-day hunger strike in protest of his one-year prison sentence.
Five other prominent opposition figures have also taken part in hunger strikes while in prison.