Thousands of supporters of Abir Moussi gathered in the streets of Tunis this Sunday to demand the release of their political leader. Abir Moussi, president of the Free Destourian Party, was arrested on October 3 and placed in pre-trial detention forty-eight hours later, accused of disturbing public order and wanting to sow disorder. This arrest sparked a wave of support from his supporters who denounced a political maneuver aimed at eliminating Abir Moussi from the presidential race.
The demonstration, which was initially planned to celebrate the national holiday of October 15, 1963, commemorating the departure of the last French soldiers from the Bizerte area after Tunisian independence, was an opportunity for participants to demand the release of Abir Moussi. The demonstrators, dressed in t-shirts and brandishing banners bearing the image of their leader, expressed their solidarity with Abir Moussi and their desire to see justice restore the freedom of this political opponent.
Abir Moussi is known for her political positioning as a fervent anti-Islamist and for her criticism of the regime of President Kaïs Saïed. Although she never appears alongside other opposition parties, Abir Moussi is considered one of the strong voices of the opposition still at large in Tunisia. His lawyers are confident about his release, saying there is no crime in the case that would justify his pretrial detention.
However, in Tunisia, pre-trial detention can be extended for up to six months, renewable by four months while awaiting trial. Abir Moussi and around 20 other political opponents are currently behind bars, raising concerns about respect for human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
This demonstration of support for Abir Moussi shows the determination of the supporters of the Free Destourian Party to assert their political opinions and to demand the release of their leader. The political situation in Tunisia remains tense, and it is crucial to follow the development of this legal case and continue to defend fundamental rights and democracy in the country.