Tunisians rally against President Saied, demand release of political prisoners

Hundreds of Tunisians protested on Wednesday against President Kais Saied's "authoritarian rule," demanding the release of political prisoners, while six detained opposition figures held a hunger strike. Demonstrators accused Saied of stifling dissent and consolidating power—claims he denies. Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021 after shutting parliament and ruling by decree, a move opponents called a coup. Supporters of the Free Constitutional Party rallied in Tunis, calling for leader Abir Moussi's release.