Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that two opposing protests have taken the streets of Tunisia’s capital on September 18, one protesting over Tunisian President Kais Saied’s decisions, another expressing their support. 

Anti-government demonstrators chanted “shut down the coup" and "we want a return to legitimacy", while Saied supporters chanted "the people want to dissolve parliament".

#Tunisia demonstrators gathered in Tunis to protest against President Kais Saied's decisions , they are chanting "shut down the coup" and "constitution , freedom and dignity".
(ages 40-50 YO ) , mostly they are Ennahda party supporters. #Tunisie#تونس pic.twitter.com/AzDMY9oYpm

— Rabeb Aloui (@rababalouii) September 18, 2021

According to our reporter, the protests were accompanied by a heavy police presence outside the ornate belle epoque theatre on Habib Bourguiba Avenue.

The Tunisian Ennahda movement has recently exerted pressure to end the exceptional measures taken by President Saied and to lift the freezing of parliament.

The movement described the constitution of 2014 to be a fruit of national dialogue that raised Tunisia's status and led to it winning the Noble peace prize in 2015.

On his account, Saied has recently said that the government would be formed as soon as possible, without specifying a date. In another statement, he announced that Tunisia would not accept any foreign interference.

The counter-protest is the first since the Tunisian President declared on July 25 he was dismissing the prime minister, suspending parliament, and assuming executive authority.

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