Tunisian protesters defy ban to demand release of detainees

TUNIS, Tunisia

Hundreds of Tunisians defied a protest ban on Sunday to demand the release of political detainees amid a deep political crisis in the North African country.

The protest was organized in the capital Tunis by the National Salvation Front (NSF), a major opposition bloc, despite a ban by the Tunisian authorities.

Protesters chanted slogans condemning what they called a “coup” by Tunisian President Kais Saied amid calls for the release of political detainees, according to an Anadolu reporter.

"Your presence and determination are evidence that you will not neglect the path of the revolution," NSF leader Ahmed Chebbi told protesters.

Chebbi said Tunisian officials, whom he declined to name, have joined the opposition bloc.

“Our struggle continues, and we will demonstrate here every Wednesday to demand the release of detainees,” he added.

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis that aggravated the country's economic conditions since 2021, when Saied ousted the government and dissolved parliament.

Since then, Saied held a referendum to draft a new constitution in July 2022 and parliamentary elections last December.

While the Tunisian leader insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report