Tunisian Presidential Race Marred by Arrest Controversies

Tunisian presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel remains in custody despite a brief release, his campaign team reports. Zammel, accused of election irregularities, denies the charges. Opposition critics claim the election favors incumbent President Kais Saied. Zammel pledges to rebuild democracy and fix Tunisia's economy if elected.

Tunisian presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel remains in detention despite a brief release, his campaign team confirmed on Friday. Zammel, one of three candidates approved for the October 6 election, faces allegations of election-related irregularities, which he denies.

Authorities initially arrested Zammel on Monday, releasing him on Thursday only to rearrest him shortly after. State news agency TAP reported his release, but his campaign insists he remains detained.

Zammel, accused of falsifying voter forms, claims his detention is politically motivated, citing his competitiveness against incumbent President Kais Saied. The opposition and human rights groups criticize the election as being rigged in Saied's favor.

(With inputs from agencies.)