On Saturday, several Tunisian youths took to the street to protest police repression and corruption. The strike occurred at the country’s capital, with the youths chanting in unison. The demonstrators who were ravaged demanded the release of the sons of the nation. That was about thousands of people whom the state officers arrested in mid-January clashes during several nights of demonstrations.
The Protest
The protesters claimed that the police abuses had increased, endangering the freedom they won in the 2011 revolution that ousted the then authoritative ruler. Hundreds of riot police confronted the protesters, leading to clashes. Some of the demonstrators were throwing bottles at the officers, while some soldiers struck them with batons.
During the protests, the officers tried to block the demonstrators, forcing their way to the main Avenue Habib Bourguiba, where the interior Ministry building is situated. The crowds even held signboards written, “Police everywhere, justice nowhere.” Other protesters criticized the severe penalties Tunisian court assured to three people for smoking drugs.
The protesters were reacting differently. Some stated that the security forces were repressing them; thus, they would not accept that. Another one said that their new right to protest was under threat by the current regime.
Continued Protests in Tunisia this Year
Since mid-January, protests have been recurring in Tunisia, nearly every day. The Tunisians commemorate mid-January as the day that the Arab Spring movement dethroned their dictator leader. Corruption in the country is among the problems which ignited the protests.
“They want to steal the principles won since the revolution,” said Mohammed Smids, a protester who compared Prime minister Hichem Mechichi to former President Zine Abifine Ben Ali, who was overthrown in 2012 after 25 years of power.
Many Tunisians express their anger due to the fact that politicians in their country strive to stay in power, yet they do nothing significant for the people. They do not undergo the struggles that everyday citizens meet as they strive to survive. The people are dealing with an influx in commodities, high unemployment rates, and even now, the novel virus which has caused fear across the globe. The protester feels angered by the politicians who keep making empty promises every year, leaving them to suffer.
Impacts of the Riots
During the protests, officers have arrested over 1000 people. Nevertheless, the demonstrations continue, as demonstrators are thirsting for justice. Unfortunately, some people have also succumbed to the strikes. Last week, a young man passed away in the city of Sbeitla after a tear gas canister hit him. His family feels the officers are responsible for his death, considering they threw the tear gas canister.
Amnesty International, a watchdog responsible for human rights, called on the Tunisian authorities to figure out ways to end the protests. They also demanded the Tunisian government look into the boy who died and bring justice to him and his family. Meanwhile, peace is fundamental for the growth of a country. More so, as it is a time of the pandemic and economies have deteriorated. Moreover, when people come together during protests, they defy the COVID safety rule of maintaining social distance. Tunisians remain in the hope that their country will resume being just.
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