In Tunisia, authorities led by President Kais Saied have accelerated a crackdown on opposition candidates and peaceful protests ahead of presidential elections scheduled for October 6. Amnesty International reports at least 97 members of an opposition party were arrested in recent days as authorities continue to restrict the work of journalists, human rights defenders and NGOS, while further undermining the independence of Tunisia’s judiciary. The latest arrests began last Friday, when thousands of protesters rallied in Tunis to demand the release of political prisoners and an end to Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule.