Tunisian police used tear gas to disperse dozens of demonstrators, who were trying to organize a march to protest against the new draft constitution, launched by President Kais Saied.
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Demonstrations in Tunisia (file photo)
The Tunisian police used tear gas, sticks and pepper spray, today, Friday, to disperse dozens of demonstrators who were trying to organize a march to the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, to protest against the new draft constitution proposed by President Kais Saied.
The demonstrators, including leaders of several political parties and civil society organizations, chanted: “No fear, no terror, the street belongs to the people,” and “Dictator, raise your hand from the constitution,” as they gathered on Habib Bourguiba Street in the center of the capital.
Violence in HB now, I was hit as I was trying to document it I’m still on the ground pic.twitter.com/YEVoAsK2hU
— Ghaya Ben Mbarek (@Ghaya_BM) July 22, 2022
Among the demonstrators, in Friday’s protests, were prominent figures in the Democratic Current Party, the Republican Party, and the Labor Party.
A journalist from “Archyde.com” said that “the police arrested at least 5 protesters.”
Next Monday, Tunisians will head to the polls for a referendum on Draft a new constitutionIt gives broad powers to the president of the country.
The “Ennahda” movement, the most prominent opponents of President Said, called for a boycott of the referendum, describing it as an “illegal process”, while the Tunisian General Labor Union left the freedom of decision to its supporters regarding participation in the referendum.
The Election Commission has registered More than 9 million voters are expected to participate in the referendumwhich starts from 5:00 GMT to 21:00, on a day that will be a public holiday.
Saeed presented a draft constitution in its initial version, and then made more than 40 amendments to it related to what was described as “leaked errors”, whether at the level of linguistic editing of clauses, or adding new vocabulary.