The Guardian view on Tunisia’s democratic regression: burying hope where the Arab spring began | Editorial
R.Unisia was not only flat From the Arab Spring. In 2021, a decade after a decade after the movement was sweetened throughout the region, the lighthouse of the precious and precious democracy remained when other countries quickly fell into chaos or authoritarianism. Then President Kais Says organized a self -set reverse Most of his country’s progress, dismantling institutions and extracting civil freedoms achieved by its citizens.
After Last year’s re -election – In a large opposition competition from it RemovedAnd on a historically low turnout – he doubled his efforts. Civil society, business, judicial authority and the media, as well as political opponents felt pain, but did not stop with them. Last year, officials of the Tunisian Swimming Federation were arrested Conspiracy against state security On their failure to present the national flag in competition.
Human Rights Watch warned in A. New report Last week, arbitrary detention became the cornerstone of the government’s suppression, and that many detainees face the death penalty in cases related to their public data or their political activities. It was published as a ruling on a court Opposition politicians, former officials, and other prominent Tunisian personalities Until 66 years in prison after a mass trial. The issue of overwhelming conspiracy (which some defendants are still sentenced to) includes accusations such as conspiracy against the state and the membership of a terrorist group. He was one of the many who tried to be absent French intellectual Bernard Henry LevyWho has been delivered 33 years.
The rulings were never complained. Mr. Sais said in 2023 that the accused politicians were “traitors and terrorists” and that the judges who saw them would be partners. Among the defendants was the major figures from Ennahda, the largest opposition party; The 83 -year -old co -founder, Ganushi, was 83 -year -old, He was sentenced to 22 years in prison In a separate case in February. As if the message of conspiracy is operated, the defense lawyer, Major Ahmed Som Arrested After calling the actions a farce.
The Western Democratic partners in Tunisia were remarkably silent, as the crackdown on Mr. Sais was revealed. When it follows ethnic violence and evacuation Foreigners satirical and ridicule bouts Unbreakable Immigrants From sub-Saharan Africa two years ago-they blame them for the country’s economic problems-relations remained comfortable.
To the European Union and the United Kingdom, the President Prepare to control migratory flows It was much more than crushing local democratic impulses. Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed Including Tunisia in a new list of the European Union from the countries of origin – Allow member states to accelerate the treatment of asylum claims from these countries on the basis that they are unlikely to be successful. The court rulings last week are just another reminder why they should not.
The madness of the madness of greatness from Mr. Saal confirms the fact that it is invincible. The failure to match material progress with democratic progress has increased its rise, but the economic trash in the country has deepened under its leadership. According to what was stated there is an increasing discomfort in his rule in the military and government departments. However, there is a tremendous personal danger to speak publicly. This makes it more impressive that some Tunisians are still ready to do so. They should not be left to defend the remains of their democratic dream alone.
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