Tunisian activists resist Saied’s authoritarian rule despite dangers

In Tunisia, the return to autocracy under President Kais Saied has sparked opposition from journalists and activists advocating for democracy, despite the risks of reprisals. Saied dissolved parliament in July 2021, seizing power and prompting widespread criticism as a constitutional coup. A crackdown on critics intensified with Decree 54 in 2022, restricting press freedom. Independent media figures like Thameur Mekki, host of the Rachma podcast, speak out against the stifling of dissent. Cartoonist Z uses his art to critique the return to authoritarianism, emphasizing the need for diverse narratives. Resistance grows ahead of the October presidential election, with civil society forming coalitions to defend rights and freedoms. Public outcry, like the recent protest in Tunis, challenges Saied’s grip on power. While optimism for change exists, challenges remain as government propaganda and repression suppress opposition voices. Despite risks, activists like Hatem Nafti persist in their fight for democracy, aware of the potential consequences. Tunisia’s struggle against autocracy continues, echoing the quest for freedom that defined the Arab Spring.