Tunisia: Protest and appeals for the resignation of the government

On Wednesday, Tunisian security forces used the force to separate a demonstration organized by leaders of the opposition Free Destourian Party outside the headquarters of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, which in fact generating criticism about the government’s dealing of the situation.

Indeed, opposition parties appealed the government to present its resignation, accusing it for attacking the protesting MPs and hurting some of them.

On his part, Abir Moussa, president of the party, has planned the protest with a number of supporters trying to finish the Union’s activities. During months, Moussa accused the Union officials of backing terrorism and organizing ideological courses that encourage violence and extremism and help radical religious currents.

However, there were tension and disorder between protesters and some of the Union members, who rejected to leave from the headquarters and called authorities and the prime minister to interfere.

Besides, Moussa issued a video on the party’s official page presenting the act that the security forces used violence and tear gas to separate the protesters.

As comments on that, Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi stated that the Public Prosecution is the only body authorized to apply the law as the blackout and the state of emergency in Tunisia.

Mechichi affirmed that any accusation against the government is this regard is baseless, indicating that all measures taken are within the law that is applied equally on all parties.

Moreover, Coordinator of the opposition Soumoud Coalition Houssem Hammi blamed the government of backing what he called as a global terrorist organization.

He also informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the security forces’ use of violence comes with a systematic campaign carried out by the current government to end the opposition movements and protect the ruling parties.

He also said that the government, by following a policy of double standards, is failing to achieve its primary role of protecting rights and freedoms after it showed its failure in managing the state institutions. So, Hammi urged the government’s resignation, noting that it has become an obstacle in the way of democratic transition.