Tunisian President Kais Saied Denounces Foreign Criticism as “Blatant Interference”

International Condemnation of Opposition Trials Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

Tunisian President Kais Saied has strongly condemned international criticism following the sentencing of political opponents, labeling foreign statements as “blatant interference” in Tunisia’s internal affairs.

In an official statement released Monday night (April 29), Saied responded to concerns raised by France, Germany, and the United Nations regarding the recent trials of opposition figures. “Statements and communiqués from foreign parties are unacceptable and constitute a flagrant interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs,” the president declared.

Controversial Trials and International Response

Dozens of prominent Tunisian opposition members have received heavy sentences in what authorities call a “conspiracy against state security” case. Critics argue the charges are politically motivated, with France, Germany, and the UN expressing concerns about fair trial violations.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated the judicial process showed “violations of the right to a fair trial and the right to due process,” raising concerns about political motivations. Germany specifically criticized the exclusion of international observers from trial proceedings.

Growing Authoritarian Measures

Since President Saied’s 2021 power grab, Tunisia has seen a significant rollback of democratic freedoms. The country, once celebrated as the birthplace of the Arab Spring, now faces criticism for:

• Widespread use of national security laws to silence dissent
• Arbitrary detentions of politicians, lawyers, and journalists
• Application of broad “false news” decrees to suppress criticism

The UN has urged Tunisia to “refrain from using national security and counter-terrorism legislation to silence dissent,” while expressing hope the country might return to its democratic path.

Saied’s Defiant Stance

In his statement, President Saied suggested Tunisia could reciprocate by sending observers to critic countries: “While some express regret that international observers have been excluded, Tunisia can also send observers to these parties and ask them to change their legislation.”

This latest development marks another chapter in Tunisia’s political crisis, with the international community increasingly concerned about democratic backsliding in what was once considered the Arab Spring’s success story.

Source: Le Monde