Tunis, Tunisia – (African Boulevard News) – The leader of Tunisia’s main opposition block, Seifeddine Makhlouf, was questioned on Friday by the counter-terrorism prosecutor on charges of “plotting against state security”. This move comes after Makhlouf recently criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and called for protests against the President’s decision to suspend parliament.
According to sources, Makhlouf was summoned to appear before the prosecutor, and his phones and documents were confiscated. This has sparked outrage within the opposition party, accusing the government of using the law to stifle political opposition.
The Ennahda party, which is the largest in parliament, has released a statement condemning the move, saying “we reject the targeting of political leaders and the use of the judiciary and security apparatus to suppress freedoms and to silence criticism.”
The Tunisian government has been under intense scrutiny since the President’s decision to suspend parliament, which many have deemed unconstitutional. The move has been met with protests across the country, with citizens calling for the government to respect the constitution and democracy.
International bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union have also expressed concern about the situation in Tunisia and called for a peaceful and democratic resolution.
Tunisia has been viewed as a beacon of democracy in the region, having undergone a successful democratic transition after the ousting of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011. However, the country has been facing political and economic challenges, with rising unemployment and a struggling health system.
The questioning of Makhlouf has raised concerns about the state of political freedom in the country and the ability of opposition parties to participate in the political process without fear of reprisal.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for the Tunisian government to uphold the principles of democracy, respect human rights and the rule of law, and engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the current crisis.
In a statement released by Amnesty International, the organization urged the Tunisian authorities to “uphold the rights to freedoms of expression, assembly and association” and to “immediately and unconditionally release Seifeddine Makhlouf unless he is charged with a recognizable criminal offense.”
