Tunisia’s opposition Workers’ Party has condemned a supporter of President Kais Saied for allegedly calling for the assassination of its Secretary-General, Hamma Hammami. The party claimed that a man identified as R.N. posted a video on social media, explicitly urging violence against Hammami due to his opposition to Saied’s governance since the power grab on July 25, 2021. The Workers’ Party criticized the authorities for not removing the video or taking action against its creator, highlighting a perceived double standard in the legal system, where bloggers are often prosecuted for dissent. The party stated that such threats will not deter them from advocating for the rights of the Tunisian people, including the right to work and live with dignity.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the increasingly hostile political climate in Tunisia following President Saied’s consolidation of power. Since July 2021, Saied has faced criticism for undermining democratic institutions and suppressing dissent, which has led to a rise in political violence and intimidation against opposition figures. The Workers’ Party’s denunciation of the threats reflects broader concerns regarding freedom of expression and human rights in Tunisia, where activists and journalists have faced legal repercussions for their criticisms of the government. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling authorities and opposition groups, impacting the stability of Tunisia’s political landscape.
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