Arrest of French Doctoral Student in Tunisia
Victor Dupont, a 27-year-old French doctoral student at the Institute for Research and Studies on the Arab and Muslim World (Iremam) in Aix-en-Provence, was arrested in Tunisia on October 19, 2024. His arrest has raised concerns among researchers and journalists, as it marks the first instance of a non-binational French citizen being detained under the current regime led by President Kaïs Saïed, who has been criticized for his authoritarian governance. Dupont is accused of 'attacking state security' while conducting research for his thesis on unemployed graduates.
Eyewitness accounts describe Dupont being forcibly taken into custody by plainclothes men as he attempted to meet friends. Following his arrest, he was held at the El Gorjani police headquarters before being transferred to a military court, a move deemed exceptional for a foreign researcher. His case highlights the increasing risks faced by foreign nationals in Tunisia, where over a hundred locals have been imprisoned since Saïed's rise to power.
Crackdown on Social Media Influencers
In a separate but equally concerning development, a Tunisian influencer has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for disseminating content deemed obscene. This case is part of a broader crackdown on digital content creators in Tunisia, with five individuals currently facing similar charges of 'harassment' and 'immoral behavior'. The Justice Ministry's recent directive to prosecute those producing content that undermines moral values has sparked significant debate about freedom of expression in the country.
Critics argue that this crackdown represents an alarming trend of repression under Saïed's presidency, which has already seen the dismantling of judicial independence and the targeting of journalists and civil society members. The vague definition of 'good morals' has been cited as a tool for further restricting freedoms, with many fearing that such actions are indicative of an authoritarian drift.
Implications for Civil Liberties in Tunisia
The arrests of both Victor Dupont and the influencers signal a troubling climate for civil liberties in Tunisia. Observers note that the Tunisian authorities appear to be sending a message to both local and foreign entities about the limits of acceptable discourse and behavior. As Tunisia seeks to strengthen ties with countries like Iran, China, and Russia, the implications for human rights and freedom of expression remain uncertain.
The situation underscores a growing concern that the regime's measures against dissent and perceived immorality are creating an atmosphere of fear, stifling creativity and free thought among researchers and content creators alike. With the re-election of President Saïed, the international community watches closely as Tunisia navigates the balance between sovereignty and civil rights.
