Tunisia: Families of imprisoned opposition members become the new voices of the protest

In Tunisia, relatives of imprisoned opposition figures are emerging as one of the last remaining channels of protest against the power of President Kaïs Saïed.

For several years, political leaders, journalists, and businesspeople have been arrested and convicted on charges ranging from conspiracy against state security to corruption. Those involved denounce these charges as unfounded.

In this context, the families of the detainees are now mobilizing at the forefront to demand their release and defend democratic freedoms.

Among them is Ghazi Chaouachi, a major opposition figure sentenced in 2025 to a long prison term. His son, Youssef Chaouachi, has become publicly involved, participating in demonstrations and giving numerous speeches.

"We did not choose this role," he explains, illustrating the shift of these families towards political action in the face of what they consider an injustice.

Human rights organizations are denouncing a growing crackdown on dissent in a country once hailed as one of the few success stories of the Arab Spring.

For his part, President Kaïs Saïed claims to be acting to "clean up" political life and fight against corruption and threats against the state.

This confrontation between power and opposition takes place in a climate of high political tension, where spaces for protest are shrinking.

The involvement of families demonstrates a new form of mobilization, while traditional opposition figures remain behind bars.

The evolution of this situation will be decisive for the democratic future of the country.