Hundreds of protesters rallied in Tunis on Sunday, demanding the release of more than 20 opposition figures who were arrested in recent weeks. The demonstration came a day after more than 3,000 joined a rally organised by the UGTT trade union against what Amnesty International has called a "politically motivated witch hunt". Protesters also condemned the violent attacks sub-Saharan nationals have faced in recent days, following an anti-immigration speech made by President Saïed on February 21.

Thousands marched through Tunis on March 4 chanting “freedom, freedom, down with the police state” and “stop impoverishment”. Protesters were called on by the country’s main trade union, the UGTT, who have demanded President Saïed open a “dialogue”.

The demonstration took place after well-known dissidents suffered weeks of arrests in the first major crackdown on opposition figures since Saïed’s July 2021 power grab. Protesters also condemned the violent attacks sub-Saharan nationals have faced in recent days, following an anti-immigration speech made by Saïed on February 21.

>> Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia living in 'climate of fear' after surge in racist attacks

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