Tunisia’s Trade Union (UGTT) is holding one of the biggest protests yet against President Kais Saied.
This is happening after the president had a crackdown on opponents.
Thousands of protesters have filled Habib Bourguiba Avenue – the main street in central Tunis, holding banners calling for an end to a one-man rule.
The protesters are chanting “Freedom! End the police state” with their banners raised.
What Triggered Protests
The protests are coming after weeks of arrests targeting prominent opponents of president Saied.
The president recently staged his first major crackdown since he seized powers in 2021 choosing to shut down the parliament and moving to rule by decree.
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“We will continue to defend freedoms and rights, whatever the cost,” UGTT leader Noureddine Taboubi told the crowd, “We do not fear prisons or arrests.”
“I salute the jurists and politicians in Mornaguia prison,” he added, referring to opposition members that were recently detained.
Threat To Freedom
President Saeid seems to be threatening the freedom of Tunisians and has been accused of plotting a coup.
A senior union official was detained last month for organising a strike. That strike led to the UGTT’s newspaper accusation that Saied was declaring war on the organisation and its million members.
Also, ahead of the planned protests, authorities barred foreign labour union leaders from entering Tunisia to take part as the President said he would not accept foreigners joining protests.
In recent weeks, the Tunisian police have also detained more than a dozen prominent opposition figures, accusing them of conspiring against state security.
“Saied is threatening everyone here. Parties, civil society, unions. All freedoms … Tunisians are here to say we cannot accept populism and nascent dictatorship,” said Najeh Zidi, a teacher at the protest.
