Tunisian Opposition Faces Harsh Sentences Amid Nationwide Protests

Tunisian police arrested opposition leader Chaima Issa during a protest in Tunis, enforcing a 20-year jail sentence that critics claim exemplifies authoritarianism. She and fellow politicians urged opposition unity and further protests against President Kais Saied. Rights groups demanded annulment of these sentences and called it a dissent crackdown.

Tunisian police detained opposition figure Chaima Issa during a Saturday protest in Tunis, as part of enforcing a 20-year prison sentence amid rising tensions. Her arrest reflects ongoing political dissent under President Kais Saied's regime.

Issa, prior to being apprehended, implored Tunisians to continue opposing tyranny, the charges against her being reportedly unjust and politically driven. Calls for unity persisted among opposition factions, including appeals from Najib Chebbi of the National Salvation Front.

Forty were charged in what is seen as one of Tunisia's largest political trials, with sentences up to 45 years. Rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the crackdown and called for sentence annulments, highlighting significant escalations in suppression of dissent.

(With inputs from agencies.)