Thousands of Tunisians filled the streets of the capital on Saturday, protesting the jailing of government critics and worsening economic conditions. At least 2,000 demonstrators, including activists and political party members, marched for over two hours to denounce injustices, witnesses said.
The protest stopped at the Tunisian Chemical Group headquarters, accused of releasing harmful pollutants in Gabes, and outside the journalists’ union. Members of the National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists recently reported an unprecedented rise in threats to press freedom across the country.
Dressed in black with whistles and red ribbons, protesters chanted “Freedom, freedom!” demanding the release of jailed opposition figures and journalists.
Many detainees face accusations of plotting against President Kais Saied or spreading false news under a 2022 law, critics say. Ahmed Souab’s son, Saeb, criticised his father’s trial, saying it lasted “six or seven minutes” and should enter the Guinness Book of Records.
Protesters echoed Arab Spring slogans, shouting: “The people want the fall of the regime,” and carried signs declaring, “Not my president.” Nejia Adjmi, 63, said Tunisia is “in misery,” citing collapsing hospitals, soaring prices, and restrictions on free speech and social media.
Amel, a retired psychologist, expressed outrage that citizens are jailed simply for expressing opinions, often facing repeated trials to prevent release. Rights groups, both domestic and international, have condemned the erosion of freedoms since Saied’s 2021 power consolidation.
Shoemaker Hichem Lahmer said poverty and inflation have pushed the country to rock bottom, calling for Saied’s departure and new elections. Saturday’s demonstration, one of the largest in months, highlighted growing frustration over political repression, economic hardship, and environmental negligence in Tunisia.