Under the title "Arrests in Ennahda Ranks.. Saied: Law First," the Al Arabiya website reported that popular protests in Tunisia not only led to the removal of the Ennahda party from the government but also directed actions against them in court. Following President Kais Saied's decision to freeze parliamentary proceedings and lift the immunity of deputies last week, the authorities arrested two parliament members.
After the announcement of placing the controversial Judge Bashir Al-Akarami under house arrest for 40 days due to accusations of concealing files related to terrorism, the Tunisian judiciary moved against Ennahda members, resulting in the detention of four individuals associated with the movement. Reports indicated that one of those arrested was a member of the Shura Council, due to his attempt to commit acts of violence outside the parliament following President Saied's announcement of exceptional decisions that altered the course of the country.
The military judiciary also announced the arrest of Yassine Ayari for insulting the president, under a ruling issued against him three years ago for defaming the army. Additionally, Deputy Maher Zid was arrested late Friday, according to his lawyer, after being sentenced to two years in prison in 2018 for insulting individuals on social media and offending the president.
A Direct Link
The Tunisian judiciary had officially charged Mustafa Khedher last year in connection with the assassination of political activists, with Khedher being responsible for Ennahda's secret apparatus. The defense team for the activists revealed a direct connection between Khedher and the Ennahda leader Rashid Ghannouchi, accusing the then-prosecutor Al-Akarami of concealing legal details to protect Ghannouchi.
Rights Preserved Under the Law
These developments came as President Kais Saied reiterated on Saturday evening that he is working tirelessly to ensure that no one is wronged, emphasizing his respect for the law and stating that no funds will be seized without justification. The president indicated that there would be no injustice, extortion, or money laundering in the country, assuring that the rights of the people would be preserved within the framework of the law.
"Additional Effort"
The Tunisian presidency clarified in a statement that Saied's remarks came during his meeting with the head of the Tunisian Professional Association of Banks and Financial Institutions, Mohamed Al-Aqrabi, and association members Mona Said and Hicham Al-Rubai. Saied urged activists in the banking and financial sector to make an additional effort during this exceptional period the country is undergoing, calling for minimizing interest rates as much as possible so that part of it returns to the national community, according to the statement.
Disputes for Months
It is noteworthy that the president's decisions follow his announcement on Sunday to freeze the parliament's activities for a month, to dismiss Prime Minister Hicham Mechichi from his duties, and to assume executive power himself. This move came after months of disputes with Mechichi and a divided parliament, while Tunisia is facing a worsening economic crisis exacerbated by one of the worst outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. Many Tunisians took to the streets last Sunday in support of Saied's decisions, expressing their frustration with the political paralysis, economic weakness, and deteriorating health situation in the country, where the death rate is among the highest in the world.
