### Tunisia under the Kais Saïed regime: between political repression and struggles for freedom
Tunisia, often quoted as an example of democratic transition after the 2011 Arab Spring, seems to take a winding path under the Kais Saïed regime. Elected with an overwhelming majority in October 2023, the latter quickly concentrated his powers, triggering a particularly targeted wave of repression against political dissidents, journalists and human rights defenders. This article is not content to portray a simple chronology of events, but explores the socio -political implications of this dynamic, while studying the examples of other countries crossing similar crises.
### Political persecutions: a global phenomenon
Tunisian political evolution should not be considered in isolation. Countries like Russia by Vladimir Putin, Erdogan Turkey, and even certain Nations of the Middle East, have shown that the decline of democracy can be accompanied by a similar rise in authoritarian regimes. In these contexts, the manipulation of anti-terrorist laws and the implementation of controversial decrees such as the famous decree 54 in Tunisia become tools of choice to muzzle any opposition. For example, Turkey experienced a wave of similar arrests during the 2016 failure coup, where thousands of journalists and opponents were incarcerated under often unfounded charges.
By observing these dynamics, we can understand that the situation in Tunisia is part of a global trend, where governments, faced with increasing social pressure, choose to resort to repressive measures rather than democratic reforms.
### Vassalized justice: diagnosis and consequences
The judicial climate in Tunisia, marked by a loss of independence, only increases the distrust of the population towards its institutions. Kais Saïed, by ousting the Superior Council of Magistracy, allowed an excessive politicization of justice, often transforming trials into simple legal formalities rather than real debates of ideas.
This phenomenon is not unique to Tunisia. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has also changed the judicial structure to stifle against the current and opposition, thus illustrating the dangers inherent in the manipulation of legal systems in times of crisis. The systematic of unfair trials, such as those recently observed in Tunisia, raises essential questions on the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights in these contexts of authoritarian withdrawal.
### The muffled voices of civil society: growing resistance
Despite this dark painting, it is crucial to mention the resilience of civil society actors in Tunisia. The recent demonstrations before the Ministry of the Interior and international support, notably the UN and Amnesty International, testify to a shared desire for resistance to repression. These movements, often carried by young people and NGOs, recall that popular skepticism can become a powerful engine of social change, thus recalling the struggles for civil rights observed in other regions of the world.
It is also interesting to compare with other recent social movements, such as the Hirak in Algeria, which, despite the repression, continues to hold light on the democratic aspirations of their society. Regional solidarity could then emerge, transcending borders and strengthening the struggle for democratic rights.
### Conclusion: an uncertain future but not inexorable
The current evolution of the situation in Tunisia raises concerns inherent in the state of human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, the response of the Tunisian people and other civil society groups may well be the key to a new future. Although the immediate future seems to be tinged with gray, it is possible that the continuous perseverance and commitment of citizens and non -governmental organizations make it possible to restore a democratic vision for Tunisia.
Citizens, by their struggle, remind everyone that a democracy, although it can be shaken, is never really lost as long as there is a collective desire to defend human rights and challenge injustices. Whether in Tunis or elsewhere, the inheritance of the Arab Spring continues to resonate, animating struggles for freedom and justice. In a world where authoritarian growth poses an increasing challenge to democratic principles, Tunisian experience could become precious teaching on resistance to tyranny.