The protests were the latest in a wave to hit Tunisia involving journalists, doctors, banks and public transport. Thousands of people also called for the closure of chemical factories to protect the environment.
Protesters wore black to express their anger and sadness over Tunisia’s transformation into an “open-air prison.” They held banners that read, “Enough is enough oppression” and “No fear, no terrorism, the streets belong to the people.”
The rally brought together activists, NGOs and splintered political parties from across the spectrum in a rare show of unity against Saied.
This highlights Tunisia’s serious political and economic crisis, and poses a major challenge for Mr Said, who took power in 2021 and began governing by decree.
Demonstrators shouted slogans such as “I’m suffocating!” and “Enough of the oppression!” “The people want the government to collapse!”
“Sayed turned the country into an open prison. We will never give up,” Ezzedine Hazgi, father of jailed politician Jawar Ben Mubark, said, according to Reuters.
Opposition parties, civil society groups and journalists have all accused Mr Said of using the judiciary and police to silence criticism.
Last month, authorities announced that three prominent civil rights organizations had been suspended over suspicions of foreign funding.
Master’s degree/PR