Tunisia denies protecting corruption suspects

The Tunisian presidency has denied any political or partisan agreement that protects individuals suspected of corruption. “Any intervention for the benefit of these individuals or those arrested recently in the context of the anti-corruption operation exposes the perpetrator to legal proceedings,” a source told Tunisian Agence Presse headquarters.

Several people have been arrested since Tuesday last week on suspicion of corruption, smuggling and involvement in networks of the informal economy. Decisions to place them under house arrest were made on the basis of “indications of their involvement in offences that could threaten security and public order,” the interior ministry confirmed.

In a brief statement, the head of government Youssef Chahed stressed,

In the war against corruption, there is no alternative. It is either corruption or the state, it is corruption or Tunisia. I, like all Tunisians, chose the State, I chose Tunisia. I want to reassure all Tunisians, the government takes all its responsibilities and it wages the war against corruption to the end. I ask the Tunisians to remain united in this battle and to stand for Tunisia.

Tunisia has faced mounting levels of corruption since the ousting of former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.