Abir Moussi, a leading opponent of Tunisian President Kais Saied, was detained by police following her involvement in a sit-in protest at the presidential palace’s doorstep. The news has prompted concerns from the legal sector on the current state of political freedom in Tunisia.
Authorities held Moussi for 48 hours on charges of “processing personal data, obstructing the right to work and assault intended to cause chaos,” according to Aroussi Zgir, the leader of Tunisia’s Lawyers’ Branch, as reported by local news. Moussi’s attorney described the incident as akin to “a kidnapping.”
In response to Moussi’s detention, the Free Destourian Party issued a statement calling the arrest “a dangerous and arbitrary violation.” The party has raised concerns over President Saied’s control over administrative departments and his interference with public appeal processes. The party further urged Tunisians to resist intimidation and to stand in defense of their rights, national institutions, security, and territorial integrity against what it sees as increasing authoritarianism.
This latest incident isn’t isolated. It follows a series of actions against opposition figures in Tunisia. Earlier this year, the authorities shut down the Ennahdha party’s offices and detained its leader, Rached Ghannouchi. Other opposition figures like Chaima Issa and Abdel Karim Harouni have also faced similar actions.
These accounts together paint a worrisome picture for the Tunisian political landscape, provoking not only national but international cause for concern.