Tunisia: anti-Saïed demonstrations on the anniversary of the fall of Ben Ali
Audio 01:31
Security forces dispersed demonstrations organized against the president on Friday, January 14, 2022 in Tunis despite a ban on gatherings for health reasons.
AFP - FETHI BELAID
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
Water cannons and tear gas, the anniversary of Ben Ali's departure had a taste of deja vu in Tunisia.
On Friday January 14, citizens gathered around Avenue Bourguiba to commemorate the event and voice their opposition to President Kaïs Saïed, who assumed full powers last July.
A demonstration harshly repressed.
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With our correspondent in Tunis,
Amira Souilem
“
Long live the revolution!
We will always celebrate it despite him!
»
The ban on gathering - officially for health reasons - did nothing.
A few groups of demonstrators formed.
Among them, Ezzeddine Hazgui, figure of the opposition to the dictator Ben Ali,
ousted 11 years ago
.
As the police block access to Avenue Bourguiba, he lets his anger explode.
"
Look what's going on.
On this same avenue, I celebrated it in front of this masquerade called the Ministry of the Interior and today they forbid us to celebrate our revolution because they did not live this revolution, they do not don't know what revolution is.
They are criminals.
Bandits!
Down with the putschist!
»
The "putschist", a reference in his mouth to Kaïs Saïed, the Tunisian president who
seized full power
last July.
The demonstrators say they fear a return to dictatorship, especially since the rally of the day was harshly repressed.
Water cannons, tear gas, truncheons and arrests of journalists.
A scenario that makes Nadia, a protester in her thirties, fear the worst: “
Kaïs Saïed, we tell him to leave.
In Tunisia, we made a soft revolution compared to other Arab countries and we don't want to have to make one that would lead us to chaos.
»
While the next elections - legislative elections - are set for next December, Kaïs Saïed seems to have a head start on his
opponents who are struggling to federate
.
►
To read also: Tunisia: 11th anniversary of the fall of Ben Ali in a tense context
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