Tunisia opposition demands release of political detainees

The National Salvation Front, the largest opposition coalition in Tunisia, has called for a return to constitutional legitimacy and the urgent release of all political prisoners and all prisoners of conscience.

In a statement released yesterday, the coalition emphasised the need to “rebuild state institutions grounded in the separation of powers” and urged for the “immediate release of all prisoners of conscience, especially political detainees.”

It also called for adherence to media independence and freedom of speech and for national dialogue focused on political and economic reforms aimed at restoring stability, freedom and fostering sustainable development.

The Ennahda Movement also called for the immediate release of all political detainees and condemned what it described as a “perilous path that has resulted in numerous arrests targeting politicians, human rights activists, civil society leaders and media professionals who have dedicated their lives to fighting for freedom, dignity, justice, equality for all Tunisians.”

The movement stressed that these individuals have long championed democracy as well as progress towards prosperity for Tunisia.

Since President Kais Saied enacted his exceptional measures in 2021, dozens of politicians, human rights activists and media professionals have been arrested on various charges ranging from “conspiring against state security”, “spreading rumours”, inciting chaos”, to “insulting the president”.

READ: Tunisia: Judge orders detention of 2 journalists on money laundering charges