Tunisians rally outside French embassy against 'foreign interference'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 May 2024 19:56

Hundreds of Tunisians stage a demonstration in support of the Tunisian President, amid international backlash over a detention campaign.

Hundreds of Tunisians stage a demonstration in support of President Kais Saied, denouncing foreign interference in internal affairs, in Tunis, Tunisia, on May 19, 2024. (AFP)

Hundreds of Tunisians rallied in front of the municipal theatre and marched along Habib Bourguiba Avenue, declaring their support of recent decisions made by President Kais Saied's and denouncing foreign interference in internal Tunisian affairs.

Demonstrators marched to the French Embassy, raising a large Tunisian flag and chanting slogans to reaffirm their allegiance to their nation's sovereignty.

Earlier, Saied had blasted the international criticism of his government's decision, saying that it amounts to foreign "interference", and ordered the Tunisian Foreign Ministry to summon the ambassadors of several countries.

The rally came a few days after Saied was subject to backlash from the European Union and the United Nations over a number of arrests made by the Tunisian authorities.

Saber Rzigue, a Tunisian man participating in the protests told AFP, "No to foreign interference, because we are a sovereign state. We support the Tunisian leadership, particularly President Kais Saied."

Another protester expressed his support for the Tunisian President saying, "It is in him that we trust. He brought us security and peace."

Others, who came from Tunis and its suburbs and other regions of the Republic, raised slogans, such as: "The people want national sovereignty," "Yes to accountability, no to foreign interference," "We are all one hand with the President to combat corruption and terrorism," "No to foreign interference in our internal affairs," and "Support the leadership and assert sovereignty."