The sentencing of opponents and public figures to up to 66 years in prison underscores President Kais Saied’s efforts to dismantle Tunisia’s political achievements. Once a symbol of democracy after the Arab Spring, Tunisia has seen Saied reverse its progress since his self-coup in 2021, impacting civil liberties and various sectors such as civil society, business, and the media, particularly following his re-election amid an opposition-free environment. Notably, even officials from the Swimming Federation faced arrest for failing to display the national flag, illustrating the regime’s oppressive reach.
