The security authorities in Tunisia arrested the opposition, Olfa Al-Hamidi, upon her arrival at the airport, according to what local media announced. This step sparked widespread controversy between its supporters and opponents of President Kais Saied, amid renewed accusations of stifling critical voices.
Published on: 02/15/2026 - 20:07 Last updated: 02/16/2026 - 10:28
According to what was reported by media outlets in Tunisia, the Tunisian police arrested opposition leader Olfa El Hamidi on Sunday upon her arrival at the airport, in the latest move against critics of President Kais Saied.
According to the same source, Olfa, the head of the Third Republic Party and a critic of Saied’s policies, was arrested shortly after she got off the plane.
Olfa repeatedly criticized Saied's policies and called for the formation of a transitional government and holding early presidential elections.
Opponents described the arrest as part of a strong campaign against the president's critics since Saied assumed sweeping powers in 2021, a move the opposition described as a coup.
Read also: Tunisia: Has dissent become a crime?
It has not yet been possible to obtain a comment from the authorities, Olfa’s family, or her lawyer regarding the arrest.
Early this month, the police arrested a member of parliament due to posts mocking the president, and the opposition considered this to be part of efforts to silence opposition voices.
Most of the opposition leaders, along with a number of activists and journalists, are in prison. The opposition says that Saied has turned Tunisia into a prison since 2021.
Saeed rejects these accusations, stressing that he will not be a dictator and that the law is above everyone, regardless of their positions.
France 24/Reuters
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