‘Enough repression’: Thousands of Tunisians protest against Kais Saied

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of the Tunisian capital to protest against what they call President Kais Saied’s escalating authoritarianism and the jailing of government critics.

At least 2,000 people, wearing black and carrying whistles and red ribbons, marched through Tunis on Saturday, chanting slogans, including “the people want the fall of the regime” and “no fear no terror, the street belongs to the people”.

Some held placards that read, “Enough repression” and “Not my president”.

The rally – under the slogan “against injustice” – brought together activists, NGOs and fragmented parties from across the spectrum in a rare display of unity in opposition to Saied.

It came weeks after a Tunisian court handed a five-year prison sentence to former administrative judge Ahmed Souab, a vocal critic of the politicisation of the judiciary.

Tunisian journalist Said Zouari told media the protests show a newly found unity between the groups of various ideological backgrounds.

“But these protests are not finding any echo in the Carthage Palace,” Zouari told media, referring to the presidential residence.

The Tunisian government has jailed dozens of opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and businesspeople, accusing them of “conspiring against state security”.

But critics say Saied is using the judiciary and police to target his political opponents.