Editorial photo #13065408 Social Issue
''Opposition Is Not A Crime'' Protest Against Tunisia's Growing Crackdown In Tunis
Demonstrators raise their fists while holding up a placard featuring a portrait of the imprisoned writer and human rights activist, Chaima Issa, during a mass march that brings together thousands of supporters of opposition parties across the political spectrum, human rights and civil society activists, and ordinary Tunisians, in Tunis, Tunisia, on December 6, 2025, to protest under the banner ''Opposition Is Not A Crime.'' They decry what they call a growing crackdown on President Kais Saied's critics and opposition parties, as well as on civil liberties, individual rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom. Participants denounce what they describe as an increasingly authoritarian and dictatorial one-man rule by the Tunisian president. The crowd expresses solidarity with opposition figures imprisoned in connection with the case known as the ''conspiracy against state security,'' demanding their release. Under President Kais Saied's rule since 2021, Tunisia sees the dissolution of parliament, the dismissal of the government, the adoption of a new constitution, the dismissal of dozens of judges, the arrest of political opponents, critics, and journalists, while the activities of dozens of organizations are suspended. (Photo by Chedly Ben Ibrahim/NurPhoto)
