Hundreds of Tunisians gathered in the capital on Thursday to mark Labour Day with a protest against President Kais Saied, calling for the release of detained opposition figures and denouncing what they see as growing repression under his administration.
The demonstration, held on Tunis’s iconic Habib Bourguiba Avenue, was organized by the influential UGTT trade union and joined by various political groups and relatives of imprisoned critics of the government.
Protesters carried banners reading “Injustice is the beginning of the end” and chanted slogans predicting a new wave of revolution. “People are still standing up for their rights despite the fear and repression,” said activist Souhaieb Ferchichi. “This regime has failed and disrespects the constitution.”
The protest followed the recent arrest of lawyer Ahmed Souab, who was charged with terrorism-related offenses after publicly accusing the judiciary of political bias in a mass trial of opposition figures. His family has condemned the arrest as politically motivated, citing his outspoken criticism of state policies.
Souab had served on the legal team defending more than 40 political and civil society figures who were recently handed long prison sentences for allegedly plotting against the state. The trial has drawn condemnation from international observers, including France, Germany, and the United Nations.
In response, President Saied rejected the criticism, labelling it “blatant interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs.”
A smaller counter-protest also took place nearby, with Saied supporters backing his stance. “We had elections, and the people chose,” said 70-year-old Ridha Soula. “If you win, we support you. If you lose, accept it.”
Since Saied assumed sweeping powers in July 2021 by dissolving parliament and ruling by decree, rights groups have warned of an erosion of democratic freedoms and civil liberties in Tunisia.