International, Tunisian organizations underline serious setback in freedoms in Tunisia

Ten Tunisian organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have spoken out about a “severe setback” in freedoms in Tunisia.

The organizations said that there has been a significant escalation in restrictions on activists, politicians, journalists, and the use of power to punish opponents under the rule of President Kais Saied.

According to news reports, police arrested 10 individuals this month, including lawyers, activists, journalists, and officials from civil society organizations.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch described these arrests as a “severe crackdown” and called on the authorities to stop the violations and respect Tunisians’ rights to freedom of expression, political rights, and civil society rights.

Last week, police raided the headquarters of the Bar Association for the second time and arrested two lawyers in an unprecedented escalation, according to some political forces.

The organizations have released their statement coinciding with the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the founding of the Tunisian Human Rights League, to underscore the increasing restrictions on freedoms.

Social activists said today that Tunisians will not accept losing their freedom of expression, political work, union and association activities.