On November 22, thousands of Tunisians marched through downtown Tunis in one of the largest demonstrations yet against President Kais Saied. Protesters—dressed in black and carrying signs reading “Enough repression” and “The streets belong to the people”—accused Saied of turning the country into an “open-air prison” and consolidating one-man rule through the judiciary and security forces.
The rally brought together activists, NGOs, and opposition parties across the political spectrum, reflecting growing unity against Saied’s increasingly authoritarian governance. It follows weeks of unrest involving journalists, doctors, bank workers, public transport employees, and environmental activists.
Critics say Saied has dismantled judicial independence, notably by dissolving the Supreme Judicial Council and dismissing dozens of judges. Rights groups report sweeping crackdowns on civil society, with arrests, asset freezes, and suspensions targeting at least 14 NGOs. Many opposition leaders and government critics remain imprisoned.
Saied rejects accusations of dictatorship, insisting he is purging the country of “traitors.” But with Tunisia facing deep political and economic crises, the latest protest highlights mounting public anger and a significant challenge to his rule.