Lawyers in Tunisia mobilised on Thursday, May 16, to protest a series of recent arrests, which have stirred turmoil across the nation and sparked global concern.
The protest, held in the capital of the North African country, ensued in the wake of the arrest of two lawyers – one forcibly removed from the bar association headquarters, and the other requiring medical attention after sustaining injuries during apprehension by security forces.
Both legal practitioners faced charges under a cybercrime statute, which prohibits the dissemination of false information, a legislative weapon authorities are allegedly employing with increasing frequency to silence dissenting voices.
The National Bar Association instigated nationwide strikes on Monday and orchestrated a “day of anger” on Thursday.
Joined by activists and civil society groups, the lawyers congregated outside the capital’s courthouse, singing chants for freedom, and denouncing what they deemed “a police state.”
Speaking about the two arrests, the Bar Association President Hatem Mziou stated;
“We demand an apology from the authorities for the enormous blunders committed.
“We are fighting for a democratic climate and respect for freedoms,” he added.
Since President Kais Saied assumed control by freezing Tunisia’s parliament and dismissing top ministers in July 2021, protests concerning civil rights have become customary in the country.
However, the recent surge in arrests, encompassing lawyers, journalists, and prominent activists, signifies a heightened crackdown on dissidents.
The Bar Association alleged that Mehdi Zaghrouba, one of the detained lawyers, was subjected to torture, resulting in loss of consciousness and visible injuries.
Contrarily, the government refuted claims of torture, asserting the legality and seamless execution of Zaghrouba’s arrest.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Faker Bouzghaya dismissed allegations of torture, saying it was a means to evade justice.
