Kais Saied has recently been in the news due to a series of significant political events in Tunisia. His government has intensified a crackdown on opposition figures, particularly targeting those who challenge his authority ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 6, 2023. Notably, Abir Moussi, the head of the Free Destourian Party and a potential rival, has faced legal challenges, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process. Additionally, Saied's administration has been criticized for its handling of migration issues, pushing migrants away from the Mediterranean coastline to deter crossings to Europe.
Kais Saied, born on February 22, 1958, is a Tunisian politician and jurist who has served as the fifth President of Tunisia since October 2019. A former lecturer in constitutional law, Saied gained prominence during the 2019 presidential elections, where he campaigned on an anti-corruption platform and promised to restore the rule of law. His presidency has been marked by a controversial power grab in 2021, which has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers for undermining democratic institutions and civil liberties in Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring.
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On April 16, 2025, France expelled 12 Algerian diplomats in retaliation for Algeria's expulsion of French officials. This diplomatic spat follows the arrest of an Algerian consular official linked to the kidnapping of influencer Amir Boukhors, escalating tensions that had recently shown signs of thawing.
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Recent developments in Hungary and Tunisia highlight a troubling trend of democratic backsliding. In Hungary, constitutional amendments target LGBTQ+ rights and dissent, while in Tunisia, President Kais Saied's regime intensifies repression against political opponents and civil liberties. Both situations raise concerns about the future of democracy in these nations.
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On April 19, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced over 40 opposition figures, including former diplomats and journalists, to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years for conspiracy against state security. The trial has been criticized as politically motivated, reflecting President Kais Saied's ongoing crackdown on dissent since his power consolidation in 2021.
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On May 2, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh to 34 years in prison for allegedly facilitating jihadist departures to Syria. This ruling follows a broader crackdown on dissent, including the recent arrest of lawyer Ahmed Souab, amid accusations of political motivations behind the trials. Human rights groups have condemned the escalating repression.
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On May 2, 2025, protests erupted in Tunisia against President Kais Saied, demanding the release of jailed political figures. Concurrently, in Bangladesh, the Hefazat-e-Islam group rallied against proposed legal reforms, threatening further action if their demands are not met. Both events reflect rising tensions in their respective countries.