Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel of the State Department released a statement about the arrests of political opponents in Tunisia on April 19.
The statement said that the arrest of former Speaker of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi, as well as the closure of the Nahda party headquarters and the banning of meetings held by opposition groups, as well as the Tunisian government’s implication that the actions are based on public statements, “represent a troubling escalation by the Tunisian government against perceived opponents.”
“The arrests by the Tunisian government of political opponents and critics are fundamentally at odds with the principles Tunisians adopted in a constitution that explicitly guarantees freedom of opinion, thought, and expression,” Patel stated.
He added, “The Tunisian government’s obligation to respect freedom of expression and other human rights is larger than any individual or political party and is essential to a vibrant democracy and to the U.S.-Tunisia relationship."
According to a report by Middle East Eye, Ghannouchi was arrested at his home in Tunis by President Kais Saied’s forces on April 20. Ghannouchi is the leader of Ennahda, which is the largest political party in Tunisia.
There were protests in the streets following the arrest, with many calling it a violation of Tunisia’s democratic principles. His detention followed the president’s decision to suspend parliament, as well as dismiss the prime minister. Saied said this was due to the country’s economic and health crisis. The report by Middle East Eye adds that critics are calling this a "power grab" by Saied. There are concerns about the future of Tunisia’s democracy, and the situation remains tense. There have been calls for Ghannouchi’s release, as well as other opposition figures who have been detained.
According to a release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, there is concern over the recent developments in the country and they are calling for parties in Tunisia to uphold democratic values, as well as respect the law and engage in dialogue to resolve differences peacefully. Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir Menturi Luar Negri of Malaysia said in the released statement, “owing to his health and age, we appeal for special consideration and mercy."
The Middle East Monitor reported that other prominent figures have expressed concern, including Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. She was concerned about the reversal of democratic process under President Saied. After the recent arrest of Ghannouchi, she warned that “democratic achievements in Tunisia since 2011 must not be lost."
She went on to state that Germany views Ghannouchi's arrest "with the greatest concern."
