Over the years, forces loyal to Saied have arrested scores of political opponents and critics [Getty/file photo]
Tunisia has expressed “deep astonishment” after the United Nations accused it of cracking down on political opponents, dismissing the criticism as inaccurate and unfounded.
President Kais Saied was elected in 2019 after Tunisia emerged as the only democracy from the Arab Spring, but in 2021 he staged a sweeping power grab that has seen a rollback on freedoms.
The UN human rights office last week condemned the “persecution of political opponents” in Tunisia, including arbitrary arrests, flawed trials and vague charges against activists, journalists and opposition figures.
The foreign ministry rejected the allegations in a statement posted on Facebook overnight.
“Tunisia has received with deep astonishment the inaccuracies and criticisms contained in the statement issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, regarding the situations of some Tunisian citizens who are subject to judicial prosecution by the national judiciary,” it said.
“Tunisia does not need to emphasise its keenness to protect human rights as it deeply believes in these rights and is committed to the provisions of its constitution, its national laws and its international commitments.
“In this context, Tunisia can give lessons to those who think they are in a position to make statements or lessons,” it added.
The statement defended Tunisia’s security forces, saying they “do not pursue demonstrators but rather secure and protect them” and provide some opposition figures with “special protection”.
On Wednesday, the day after the UN criticism, prominent human rights activist Sihem Bensedrine, held since August, was released, but the 70-year-old remains under prosecution and subject to a travel ban.
The foreign ministry insisted the cases cited by the UN involved “public law crimes unrelated to political, party or media activities, or the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression.”
“No one can claim to be above accountability or use pressure at home or abroad to evade justice or escape punishment,” it said, adding judicial proceedings were independent and respected all legal guarantees.
Dozens of political figures, including Rached Ghannouchi, head of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, as well as businessmen and journalists, are in detention.
Most face charges of plotting “against state security.” Ghannouchi was sentenced to 22 years in prison earlier this month.
A high-profile trial, known as the “state security conspiracy case,” is set to open on March 4.
