Tunisia Accused of Crackdown on Opposition Ahead of Elections

Amnesty International has condemned the recent arrest of at least 97 members of the opposition group Ennahda in Tunisia, which occurred on September 12 and 13, Jurist News reported on Tuesday.

The organization claims these arrests, made under conspiracy and counter-terrorism charges, indicate an escalation in the authorities’ crackdown on civil society ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October 6.

Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, criticized the Tunisian government’s actions, stating they reflect a pre-election assault on human rights and the rule of law. The group also highlighted concerns over the independence of the judiciary, noting that the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE) rejected a court ruling to reinstate three disqualified candidates, allowing only President Kais Saied and two others to run.

In response to the developments, several human rights organizations have formed an international support committee advocating for free elections and the release of detained individuals. Demonstrations took place across Tunisia, with thousands calling for respect for civil liberties.

Human Rights Watch has noted that President Saied has faced criticism for consolidating power since assuming office in 2021, leading to an alleged decline in human rights conditions in the country.