Tunisia’s National Women’s Day protest on 13 August saw women’s rights activists marching in the streets of Tunis against President Kais Saied’s crackdown on female judges and activists. At least thirty-four women have been arrested or investigated since his power grab in 2021, including Chaima Issa, Tunisia’s first political prisoner under Saied.
From political figures to NGOs challenging state policies, women in Tunisia are facing persecution under Decree 54, aimed at silencing dissent. Even Abir Moussi, a presidential candidate, was sentenced to prison, and activists like Saadia Mosbah and Sherifa Riahi were arrested on charges of money laundering.
Saied’s feminist facade has deceived many, with his focus on gender equality masking his authoritarian ambitions. Manipulating women’s rights to deflect criticism, Saied aims to maintain control, jeopardizing the hard-won legal and social protections for Tunisian women.
As Saied seeks re-election, his opponents remain silenced, leaving Tunisian women at risk. The fight for women’s rights in Tunisia continues amidst a political climate marred by oppression and persecution.
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