Human Rights Watch is warning the Tunisian government has turned arbitrary detention into “a cornerstone of its repressive policy,” as President Kais Saied continues to crack down on his opponents and critics. This comes amid a mass trial against dozens of people, including prominent politicians and media figures, whom the Saied government has accused of plotting against the state. Last week, six detained opposition figures launched a hunger strike, while hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tunis.

Hayat Ayari: “It’s tyranny in every sense of the word — no freedom of opinion, no freedom of expression, no freedom of action. Over the smallest thing, a person finds themselves in prison. Even what I’m saying now could get me arrested and jailed tomorrow. This is reality. I’m not making this up.”