Hundreds of Tunisians defied a demonstration ban on Sunday for the second consecutive day, demanding the release of more than 20 imprisoned prominent critics.

In recent weeks, more than 20 political figures have been detained, including members of the main opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front (NSF), and its primary component, the Ennahda party.

"Freedom for the detainees," chanted the demonstrators, largely supporters of the NSF, with many waving Tunisian flags and pictures of detainees, as quoted by AFP.

#Tunisians took to the streets to protest against the President's remarks on migrants, which a lot of people in #Tunisia described as racist. pic.twitter.com/xYXHkjuSLH

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 26, 2023

Al Mayadeen correspondent reported that dozens gathered by a key bus and tramway station in central Tunis before charging police barricades and marching toward Habib Bourguiba Avenue, where the crowd soon swelled to more than 500.

The reporter also noted that a decision was made urging security forces not to use force to disperse or deter protesters.

In 2021, President Kais Saied sacked the government and froze parliament, imposing reforms to the political system of the North African country.

On his account, Tunisian Labor Union Chief Noureddine Taboubi said on Saturday that "workers are united, and we have chosen the path of struggle; struggle does not come cheap, and we will honor the blood of our martyrs."

"Attempts to damage the union are because of the union's independence," he added.