fbpx
Wikipedia

2021 Tunisian self-coup

April 03, 2023

The 2021 Tunisian self-coup took place on 25 July 2021, when Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the government of Hichem Mechichi, suspended the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and revoked the immunity of its members. Described as a self-coup, the move came after a period of political instability marked by a series of protests against the Ennahda-backed government and the collapse of the Tunisian healthcare system amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

2021 Tunisian self-coup
Above: an anti-coup demonstration, Tunis, 10 October 2021
Below: a pro−Saied demonstration, Tunis, 3 October 2021
Date25 July 2021
Location
Tunisia
Caused by2021 Tunisian protests
Resulted inCoup successful
Parties to the civil conflict
Lead figures

Kais Saied
(President of Tunisia,
Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)
Najla Bouden
(Prime Minister of Tunisia)
Taoufik Charfeddine
(Minister of the Interior)
Nadia Akacha
(Chief of Staff of the Presidency)
Othman Jerandi
(Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Rached Ghannouchi
(Speaker of the Parliament,
Leader of Ennahdha)
Hichem Mechichi
(Dismissed Prime Minister of Tunisia)
Ali Laarayedh
(Deputy Leader of Ennahdha)
Noureddine Bhiri
(Secretary General of Ennahdha)
Seifeddine Makhlouf
(Leader of Dignity Coalition)

Casualties and losses
1 dead

The day after the self-coup, Saied imposed a month-long curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. After the 30-day period expired, Saied extended the period of his measures "until further notice". In October, Najla Bouden was appointed to head a new government, making her the first female prime minister both in Tunisia and the Arab world. In July 2022, a new constitution expanding the president's powers was adopted after a referendum boycotted by over two-thirds of voters, paving the way for parliamentary elections in December 2022 and January 2023 which were also boycotted by a large sector of the population.

Background

Saied-Mechichi/Parliament deadlock

Main article: Mechichi Cabinet

In September 2020, the government of Hichem Mechichi was formed.[1] The government exclusively consisted of independent technocrats[2] and was supported, although "grudgingly", by the Ennahda party, the biggest parliamentary bloc led by Speaker Rached Ghannouchi.[3][4]

In January 2021, Mechichi proposed a cabinet reshuffle which was approved by parliament,[5] but president Kais Saied rejected the reshuffle, claiming that the proposed ministers of health, energy, employment and sports have conflicts of interest.[6][7][8]

Saied and Mechichi also differed on their interpretations of the constitutional authorities of the president and prime minister, primarily the amount of influence the president is given on the government's operation. Saied was also in a stalemate with the country's legislative body, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People, on their respective constitutional powers. Normally, such disagreements would be resolved by the constitutional court, but the court's members have not been appointed yet.[9]

Saied demanded that Mechichi resign in order for dialogue to take place, but the latter refused to step down, stating that he was "responsible for salvaging a country gripped by political and economic woes".[10]

COVID-19 and protests against Ennahda

Main articles: COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia and 2021 Tunisian protests

The standoff between the president and prime minister paralysed the government, contributing to the state's poor response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[9][11] On 8 July 2021, the Health Ministry said that the country's health system has "collapsed under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic".[12]

Protests spread across the country against economic mismanagement and the response to COVID-19 and calling for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the parliament.[13][14] In some instances, these protests turned violent, and on 25 July, protestors attacked Ennahda's offices in Monastir, Sfax, El Kef and Sousse.[15]

Announcement

On the night of 25 July 2021, Saied announced in a televised address the adoption of "extraordinary measures", namely the dismissal of the government, the suspension of parliament and the lifting of its members' parliamentary immunity.[16][17][18] Saied said that he would assume executive authority with a new prime minister,[19] and also declared himself attorney general.[20]

In the announcement, which came after meeting between Saied and his top advisors and security leaders at his palace,[17][19][21] Saied warned "any who think of resorting to weapons".[22] Hours later, military forces were deployed to barricade the parliament's headquarters, preventing Ghannouchi and other parliamentarians from entering the building.[23][24][25][22]

Reactions

Domestic

The next day after the coup, Mechichi released a statement on social media in which he announced that he would hand over authority to the next Prime Minister the President chooses,[20] saying that he won't "play an obstructive role in complicating the situation in Tunisia" and that he will "continue to serve his country under all circumstances".[26] Middle East Eye (MEE) reported that Mechichi was physically assaulted and forced to resign.[27] This was denied by Mechichi, but the MEE "stood by its report".[28] Mechichi's first public appearance came eleven days after the coup at the Tunisian anti-corruption agency to declare his properties.[29]

Ghannouchi, on the other hand, immediately rejected Saied's decisions and said that he would call a parliamentary session in defiance of the President,[30] whose move he called a "full-fledged coup".[31] However, the military blocked Ghannouchi from entering the parliament building, so he led a sit-in protest in front of it.[32]

The coup was immediately denounced by Ennahda, the Dignity Coalition and the Heart of Tunisia, the three main parties in parliament.[33] Former president Moncef Marzouki, who oversaw the transition to democracy after the revolution, also rejected the coup, calling it "the beginning of slipping into an even worse situation".[18][22][33]

In September 2021, a four-party coalition between Ettakatol, the Democratic Current, Afek Tounes and the Republican Party adopted a position against the coup.[34] In May 2022, another coalition was announced, the National Salvation Front, between Ennahda, the Dignity Coalition, the Heart of Tunisia, Al Amal, Al Irada and five civil society groups along with independent politicians.[35][36]

The Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), Tunisia's national trade union center, initially supported the coup,[37] but the relationship between Saied and the UGTT soured, with the UGTT repeatedly voicing concerns about Saied's commitment to preserving rights and freedoms.[38]

International

Several countries and supranational bodies reacted with concern to the coup and encouraged a swift return to normal order, including Qatar, Turkey, Germany, Spain, the European Union and the United States.[39][40][41] Greece supported Saied's move, with its foreign minister backing "Tunisia’s efforts to maintain the North African country’s stability from the influence of extremists".[42]

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were also supportive, with influential voices in the three countries celebrating the coup as a "blow to political Islam".[43] Officially, there was no reaction from Egypt and the UAE while Saudi Arabia declared support for "everything that would help achieve" security, stability and prosperity for Tunisia.[44] The Arab League issued a statement urging Tunisia to "restore stability and calm and the state’s ability to work effectively to respond to the aspirations and requirements of the people".[45]

A spokesman for Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres called on both sides to "exercise restraint, refrain from violence and ensure that the situation remains calm".[41] The International Monetary Fund offered to continue assisting the country with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tunisia had requested a three-year $4 billion loan "to help stabilise its balance of payments position after its current account deficit widened to 7.1 percent of GDP last year."[22]

Amnesty International asked the government to "publicly commit to respecting and protecting human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly".[39] Human Rights Watch said that the Saied's move implicitly revoked the constitutional order and that it was a first step towards authoritarianism.[46]

Legality

Saied justified his decision to adopt the measures by invoking Article 80 of the Tunisian constitution, which allows the president to take extraordinary measures if the nation's institutions, security or independence are threatened.[47] However, the constitution states that the parliament should remain in "a state of continuous session" throughout the period of the extraordinary measures, and does not permit its suspension.[48] Additionally, the constitution mandates that such measures be taken after consultation with the Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament, which Saied claims to have done by phone.[49] However, Ghannouchi denied that he was consulted.[30]

Subsequent developments

Protests

Many Tunisians initially supported Saied's move, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to celebrate the coup soon after its announcement.[50] However, economic downturn has since reduced Saied's popularity.[51]

Outside the parliament building, clashes broke out between pro- and anti-Saied protestors.[24][52] The day after the coup, Saied imposed a month-long curfew prohibiting the movement of people and cars between cities as well as public gatherings of more than three people.[53][52] In spite of an official ban, sporadic protests against Saied continued into March 2023.[54]

In January 2022, a protestor died of wounds he sustained during a crackdown on protests by security forces, making him the first death of the anti-Saied protests,[55] although in the preceding November, a protester was killed by security forces during a demonstration against the reopening of a controlled landfill in Aguereb.[56]

Changes to the political system

On 24 August 2021, Saied announced the extension of the extraordinary measures "until further notice".[57] On 22 September 2021, he announced that he would rule by decree and suspend constitutional provisions that go against the extraordinary measures.[58][59] He also announced his intention to appoint a committee to draft amendments to the constitution,[60] and said that members of parliament will no longer receive their salaries.[58]

On 29 September 2021, two months after the coup, Saied appointed Najla Bouden to the premiership.[61] Although this made her the first female Prime Minister in Tunisia and in the Arab World, she has been criticised as no more than a figurehead.[62]

On 20 March 2022, Saied dissolved the Parliament, which had been frozen for eight months, after members arranged an online session in which they voted against Saied's extraordinary measures.[63]

On 30 June 2022, Saied unveiled a draft for a new constitution,[64] which introduced sweeping changes and increased the power of the presidency at the expense of the legislature, which he split into two chambers, and the judiciary.[65] The draft was criticised as undemocratic.[66] A referendum to approve the draft, held on 25 July 2022, the first anniversary of the coup, saw 94.6% of valid ballots approving the draft, but turnout was only 30.5% after most of the opposition called for a boycott.[67]

Legal proceedings against opposition figures

Since 25 July 2021, a number of parliamentarians and activists have been prosecuted for denouncing the president's actions.[68] On 30 July 2021, Yassin Ayari, a member of parliament and a critic of Saied, was arrested at his house by security forces.[69] On 17 September 2021, Seifeddine Makhlouf, another parliamentarian, was arrested.[70] He was later sentenced by a military court to 14 months in prison.[71]

On 31 December 2021, Noureddine Bhiri, deputy head of Ennahda, was arrested over accusations of terrorism.[72] On 2 January 2022, he was transferred to a hospital after going on hunger strike.[73] The United Nations condemned the arrest, as did Human Rights Watch. He was released in March 2022.[74] However, he was arrested again on 13 February 2023.[75]

Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has been summoned by courts several times including in July 2022 and November 2022 for money laundering,[76][77]and in February 2023 for "inciting Tunisians to kill each other".[78] Ghannouchi has denied the allegations, insisting that they are meant to divert attention from "the real problems".[77]

Erosion of judicial independence

Since the coup, several judges have been banned from travelling or placed under house arrest without approval from the Supreme Judicial Council.[79] The council, which was tasked with ensuring judicial independence and disciplining judges, was dissolved by Saied on 6 February 2022.[80]

On 1 June 2022, Saied dismissed 57 judges and prosecutors for alleged corruption and "hindering the pursuit of those suspected in terrorism cases".[81] Despite a court order in August that ruled in favour of reinstating 49 of those dismissed, the Saied-appointed justice minister announced the preparation of criminal cases against the dismissed judges, drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch.[82]

Restrictions on the media

On 26 July 2021, Tunisian police raided the bureau of Al Jazeera in Tunis without warrants or prior notification.[83][84] The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and Journalists for Human Rights have documented several restrictions imposed on journalists since the coup. The violations documented included illegal censorship, repression, arbitrary detention, and security and judicial prosecution.[85]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Tunisian prime minister wins confidence vote amid crisis". AP NEWS. 2 September 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Tunisia premier designate names a technocratic government". Reuters. 24 August 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Tunisia's parliament approves technocratic government of PM-designate Mechichi". Al Arabiya English. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Tunisia's PM sacked after violent Covid protests". BBC News. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Tunisia's parliament approves Cabinet reshuffle amid protests". Reuters. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  6. ^ "Tunisian president rejects reshuffle, escalating political crisis". Reuters. 26 January 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Tunisian party decries president's move to dismiss gov't". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  8. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Tunisian prime minister was assaulted in palace before coup". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Tunisia: An overlapping political and constitutional crisis | Al Jazeera Centre for Studies". studies.aljazeera.net. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Tunisian Premier brushes aside calls to step down – The North Africa Post". Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  11. ^ Writer, Staff; France-Presse, Agence. "Tunisia: From president's power grab to new parliament". www.zawya.com. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  12. ^ "'The boat is sinking': Tunisia warns of COVID-19 'catastrophe'". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Leading Ennahda figure attacks Al Arabiya, Al Hadath over Tunisia protests coverage". Al Arabiya English. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Protests across Tunisia as COVID-19 surges and economy suffers". Arab News. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  15. ^ Amara, Tarek (25 July 2021). "Protests across Tunisia target Ennahda party over political crisis". Reuters. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Tunisian president sacks PM, suspends parliament after violent protests". France 24. 25 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  17. ^ a b "Tunisian President Sacks Premier, Suspends Parliament". VOA. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Tunisia: President's Seizure of Powers Threatens Rights". Human Rights Watch. 27 July 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Tunisia's president accused of 'coup' after dismissing PM". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Tunisian premier to step down following president's appointment". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  21. ^ Parker, Claire (26 July 2021). "Tunisia's president fires prime minister, dismisses government, freezes parliament". Washington Post. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  22. ^ a b c d Amara, Tarek; Mcdowall, Angus (26 July 2021). "Tunisian president ousts government in move critics call a coup". Reuters. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  23. ^ "A spring far behind: Tunisian President Kais Saied seizes power, sacks Prime Minister". frontline.thehindu.com. 4 September 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  24. ^ a b "Tunisian Democracy Seen as Vulnerable After President Fires PM and Suspends Parliament". VOA. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Tunisia's fledgling democracy, sole survivor of the Arab Spring, in crisis as president takes emergency powers". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  26. ^ Agency, Anadolu (27 July 2021). "Tunisian PM to step down as major parliamentary blocs dismiss coup". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  27. ^ "Tunisia's prime minister 'beaten up' in palace before agreeing to resign". The Independent. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  28. ^ "Tunisia coup: Deposed PM denies being beaten before he resigned, reports local media". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  29. ^ "Dismissed Tunisian PM Mechichi appears for first time in 11 days". euronews. 6 August 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  30. ^ a b "Ennahda's Ghannouchi vows to fight 'coup' threatening Tunisia constitution". Ennahda's Ghannouchi vows to fight 'coup' threatening Tunisia constitution. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  31. ^ Agency, Anadolu (26 July 2021). "Tunisia parliament strongly rejects 'coup'". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  32. ^ Presse, AFP-Agence France. "Tunisia's Largest Party Protests Outside Army-blocked Parliament". www.barrons.com. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  33. ^ a b "Political parties decry Tunisia 'coup' as crowds celebrate on street". Political parties decry Tunisia ‘coup’ as crowds celebrate on street. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  34. ^ "Tunisian parties announce coalition to counter President Saied". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  35. ^ "تعرف على جبهة الخلاص الوطني.. هيئات تعمل لـ"إنقاذ" تونس من إجراءات قيس سعيد". www.aljazeera.net (in Arabic). Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  36. ^ National, The (12 July 2022). "Tunisian President Kais Saied vows 'zero tolerance' of referendum fraud". The National. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  37. ^ "Tunisia election: Powerful UGTT union is distancing itself from the government". Le Monde.fr. 17 December 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  38. ^ "Tunisia trade union 'no longer accepts' president's agenda". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  39. ^ a b "World reacts to Tunisia's political turmoil". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  40. ^ "El Gobierno llama a "la calma y a la estabilidad" en Túnez". Cadena COPE. 27 July 2021. from the original on 27 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  41. ^ a b Ibrahim, Farah Najjar,Arwa. "Tunisia: Sacked PM says will hand over responsibility". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  42. ^ Nedos, Vassilis. "Greece backs Tunisia's fight for stability | eKathimerini.com". www.ekathimerini.com. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  43. ^ "Influential voices in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE celebrate Tunisia turmoil as blow to political Islam". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  44. ^ "How the world reacted to the coup in Tunisia". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  45. ^ "Arab League urges Tunisia to quickly get through current turbulent phase". Reuters. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2022.
  46. ^ "Joint Statement: Tunisia: Unprecedented Confiscation of Power by the Presidency". Human Rights Watch. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  47. ^ "Tunisian constitution of 2014 (see Article 80)" (PDF).
  48. ^ Grewal, Sharan (26 July 2021). "Kais Saied's power grab in Tunisia". Brookings. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  49. ^ "Tunisia: president removes government, says it's not a coup - Politics". ANSAMed. 26 July 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  50. ^ Amara, Tarek (26 July 2021). "Supporters of Tunisian president celebrate government ousting with cheers, fireworks". Reuters. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  51. ^ Amara, Tarek; Mcdowall, Angus (26 July 2022). "Tunisians back new constitution, but with low turnout". Reuters. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  52. ^ a b Staff (27 July 2021). "Tunisia's president imposes month-long curfew and bans gatherings". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  53. ^ "Night curfew imposed, work at government offices suspended for two days in Tunisia". www.gulftoday.ae. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  54. ^ "Tunisian opposition defies protest ban, hundreds demonstrate against president". WION. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  55. ^ "Tunisian dies after protesting President Saied's moves". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  56. ^ "National Guard station burnt down in Tunisia after security forces kill one during anti-landfill protests". 11 November 2021.
  57. ^ AfricaNews (24 August 2021). "Tunisia's president extends suspension of parliament until further notice". Africanews. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  58. ^ a b Brown, Erin Clare (22 September 2021). "Tunisia's president Kais Saied suspends constitution". The National. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  59. ^ Amara, Tarek; Mcdowall, Angus (23 September 2021). "Tunisian president moves to cement one-man rule". Reuters. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  60. ^ Reuters (22 September 2021). "Tunisia's president to ignore parts of the constitution and rule by decree". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 March 2023. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  61. ^ "Tunisia's president appoints Najla Bouden Romdhane as country's first woman PM". Al Arabiya English. 29 September 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  62. ^ "The Controversy Over the Arab World's First Female Prime Minister". Bloomberg.com. 14 October 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  63. ^ "Tunisia's president dissolves parliament, extending power grab". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  64. ^ Brown, Erin Clare (30 June 2022). "Tunisia's Kais Saied reveals draft of new constitution with sweeping changes to government". The National. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  65. ^ Yee, Vivian (1 July 2022). "Tunisia's President Drafts Constitution Giving Himself Broad Powers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  66. ^ "Tunisia: Saied backpedals in the face of criticism, corrects his proposed constitution". Atalayar. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  67. ^ "Tunisia approves new constitution in vote with low turnout". France 24. 26 July 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  68. ^ Monitor, Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights. "Tunisia: One-man rule setback for human rights and rule of law". Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  69. ^ "Tunisian MP critical of president arrested by security forces". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  70. ^ Nova, Redazione Agenzia (17 September 2021). "Islamist deputy Seifeddine Makhlouf arrested in Tunis". Agenzia Nova. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  71. ^ "Tunisia detains anti-Saied politician". Arab News. 22 January 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  72. ^ "Detained Tunisian politician hospitalised 'in critical condition'". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  73. ^ "Hunger-striking Tunisia politician agrees to treatment: medics". Arab News. 5 January 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  74. ^ "Tunisia: Ennahda says senior official Noureddine Bhiri released". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  75. ^ "Tunisian police arrest Noureddine Bhiri, a prominent opponent of president Saied". Reuters. 13 February 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  76. ^ Reuters (6 July 2022). "Tunisian opposition leader faces money laundering allegations". Reuters. Retrieved 30 March 2023. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  77. ^ a b AfricaNews (10 November 2022). "Tunisia: Opposition chief back in court for 'money laundering'". Africanews. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  78. ^ AfricaNews (21 February 2023). "Tunisian Islamist opposition leader in court on incitement charges". Africanews. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  79. ^ Monitor, Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights. "Tunisia: Banning judges from traveling raises fears of undermining the judiciary". Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  80. ^ Amara, Tarek (6 February 2022). "Tunisian president dissolves Supreme Judicial Council". Reuters. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  81. ^ Mostafa, Amr (2 June 2022). "Tunisian President Kais Saied sacks 57 judges over alleged corruption". The National. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  82. ^ "Tunisia: President Intensifies Attacks on Judicial Independence". Human Rights Watch. 27 February 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023.
  83. ^ "Tunisia police storm Al Jazeera bureau in Tunis". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  84. ^ "Tunisian security forces storm Al Jazeera office in Tunis". Tunisian security forces storm Al Jazeera office in Tunis. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  85. ^ Monitor, Euro-Med Human Rights. "'Reporting under the Weight of Fear': Euro-Med Monitor, Journalists for Human Rights report violations against press in Tunisia". Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Retrieved 19 May 2022.

April 03, 2023
2021, tunisian, self, coup, took, place, july, 2021, when, tunisian, president, kais, saied, dismissed, government, hichem, mechichi, suspended, assembly, representatives, people, revoked, immunity, members, described, self, coup, move, came, after, period, po. The 2021 Tunisian self coup took place on 25 July 2021 when Tunisian President Kais Saied dismissed the government of Hichem Mechichi suspended the Assembly of the Representatives of the People and revoked the immunity of its members Described as a self coup the move came after a period of political instability marked by a series of protests against the Ennahda backed government and the collapse of the Tunisian healthcare system amidst the COVID 19 pandemic in the country 2021 Tunisian self coupAbove an anti coup demonstration Tunis 10 October 2021Below a pro Saied demonstration Tunis 3 October 2021Date25 July 2021LocationTunisiaCaused by2021 Tunisian protestsResulted inCoup successful President Kais Saied dismisses the government of Hichem Mechichi and dismisses the Assembly of the Representatives of the People Najla Bouden appointed Prime Minister and formed a new government Announcement of new constitution with strengthened presidential powers Dissolution of the Supreme Judicial Council Boycott of parliamentary electionParties to the civil conflictPresident of Tunisia Tunisian Armed Forces Tunisian National Guard Pro Saied protesters Tunisian Parliament National Salvation Front Ennahda Front populaire Dignity Coalition Democratic Current Afek Tounes Republican Party Ettakatol Anti Saied protestersLead figuresKais Saied President of Tunisia Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Najla Bouden Prime Minister of Tunisia Taoufik Charfeddine Minister of the Interior Nadia Akacha Chief of Staff of the Presidency Othman Jerandi Minister of Foreign Affairs Rached Ghannouchi Speaker of the Parliament Leader of Ennahdha Hichem Mechichi Dismissed Prime Minister of Tunisia Ali Laarayedh Deputy Leader of Ennahdha Noureddine Bhiri Secretary General of Ennahdha Seifeddine Makhlouf Leader of Dignity Coalition Casualties and losses1 deadThe day after the self coup Saied imposed a month long curfew from 7 p m to 6 a m After the 30 day period expired Saied extended the period of his measures until further notice In October Najla Bouden was appointed to head a new government making her the first female prime minister both in Tunisia and the Arab world In July 2022 a new constitution expanding the president s powers was adopted after a referendum boycotted by over two thirds of voters paving the way for parliamentary elections in December 2022 and January 2023 which were also boycotted by a large sector of the population Contents 1 Background 1 1 Saied Mechichi Parliament deadlock 1 2 COVID 19 and protests against Ennahda 2 Announcement 3 Reactions 3 1 Domestic 3 2 International 4 Legality 5 Subsequent developments 5 1 Protests 5 2 Changes to the political system 5 3 Legal proceedings against opposition figures 5 4 Erosion of judicial independence 5 5 Restrictions on the media 6 See also 7 ReferencesBackground EditSaied Mechichi Parliament deadlock Edit Main article Mechichi Cabinet In September 2020 the government of Hichem Mechichi was formed 1 The government exclusively consisted of independent technocrats 2 and was supported although grudgingly by the Ennahda party the biggest parliamentary bloc led by Speaker Rached Ghannouchi 3 4 In January 2021 Mechichi proposed a cabinet reshuffle which was approved by parliament 5 but president Kais Saied rejected the reshuffle claiming that the proposed ministers of health energy employment and sports have conflicts of interest 6 7 8 Saied and Mechichi also differed on their interpretations of the constitutional authorities of the president and prime minister primarily the amount of influence the president is given on the government s operation Saied was also in a stalemate with the country s legislative body the Assembly of the Representatives of the People on their respective constitutional powers Normally such disagreements would be resolved by the constitutional court but the court s members have not been appointed yet 9 Saied demanded that Mechichi resign in order for dialogue to take place but the latter refused to step down stating that he was responsible for salvaging a country gripped by political and economic woes 10 COVID 19 and protests against Ennahda Edit Main articles COVID 19 pandemic in Tunisia and 2021 Tunisian protests The standoff between the president and prime minister paralysed the government contributing to the state s poor response to the COVID 19 pandemic 9 11 On 8 July 2021 the Health Ministry said that the country s health system has collapsed under the weight of the COVID 19 pandemic 12 Protests spread across the country against economic mismanagement and the response to COVID 19 and calling for the resignation of the government and the dissolution of the parliament 13 14 In some instances these protests turned violent and on 25 July protestors attacked Ennahda s offices in Monastir Sfax El Kef and Sousse 15 Announcement EditOn the night of 25 July 2021 Saied announced in a televised address the adoption of extraordinary measures namely the dismissal of the government the suspension of parliament and the lifting of its members parliamentary immunity 16 17 18 Saied said that he would assume executive authority with a new prime minister 19 and also declared himself attorney general 20 In the announcement which came after meeting between Saied and his top advisors and security leaders at his palace 17 19 21 Saied warned any who think of resorting to weapons 22 Hours later military forces were deployed to barricade the parliament s headquarters preventing Ghannouchi and other parliamentarians from entering the building 23 24 25 22 Reactions EditDomestic Edit The next day after the coup Mechichi released a statement on social media in which he announced that he would hand over authority to the next Prime Minister the President chooses 20 saying that he won t play an obstructive role in complicating the situation in Tunisia and that he will continue to serve his country under all circumstances 26 Middle East Eye MEE reported that Mechichi was physically assaulted and forced to resign 27 This was denied by Mechichi but the MEE stood by its report 28 Mechichi s first public appearance came eleven days after the coup at the Tunisian anti corruption agency to declare his properties 29 Ghannouchi on the other hand immediately rejected Saied s decisions and said that he would call a parliamentary session in defiance of the President 30 whose move he called a full fledged coup 31 However the military blocked Ghannouchi from entering the parliament building so he led a sit in protest in front of it 32 The coup was immediately denounced by Ennahda the Dignity Coalition and the Heart of Tunisia the three main parties in parliament 33 Former president Moncef Marzouki who oversaw the transition to democracy after the revolution also rejected the coup calling it the beginning of slipping into an even worse situation 18 22 33 In September 2021 a four party coalition between Ettakatol the Democratic Current Afek Tounes and the Republican Party adopted a position against the coup 34 In May 2022 another coalition was announced the National Salvation Front between Ennahda the Dignity Coalition the Heart of Tunisia Al Amal Al Irada and five civil society groups along with independent politicians 35 36 The Tunisian General Labour Union UGTT Tunisia s national trade union center initially supported the coup 37 but the relationship between Saied and the UGTT soured with the UGTT repeatedly voicing concerns about Saied s commitment to preserving rights and freedoms 38 International Edit Several countries and supranational bodies reacted with concern to the coup and encouraged a swift return to normal order including Qatar Turkey Germany Spain the European Union and the United States 39 40 41 Greece supported Saied s move with its foreign minister backing Tunisia s efforts to maintain the North African country s stability from the influence of extremists 42 Egypt Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were also supportive with influential voices in the three countries celebrating the coup as a blow to political Islam 43 Officially there was no reaction from Egypt and the UAE while Saudi Arabia declared support for everything that would help achieve security stability and prosperity for Tunisia 44 The Arab League issued a statement urging Tunisia to restore stability and calm and the state s ability to work effectively to respond to the aspirations and requirements of the people 45 A spokesman for Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres called on both sides to exercise restraint refrain from violence and ensure that the situation remains calm 41 The International Monetary Fund offered to continue assisting the country with the fallout of the COVID 19 pandemic Tunisia had requested a three year 4 billion loan to help stabilise its balance of payments position after its current account deficit widened to 7 1 percent of GDP last year 22 Amnesty International asked the government to publicly commit to respecting and protecting human rights including the rights to freedom of expression association and peaceful assembly 39 Human Rights Watch said that the Saied s move implicitly revoked the constitutional order and that it was a first step towards authoritarianism 46 Legality EditSaied justified his decision to adopt the measures by invoking Article 80 of the Tunisian constitution which allows the president to take extraordinary measures if the nation s institutions security or independence are threatened 47 However the constitution states that the parliament should remain in a state of continuous session throughout the period of the extraordinary measures and does not permit its suspension 48 Additionally the constitution mandates that such measures be taken after consultation with the Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament which Saied claims to have done by phone 49 However Ghannouchi denied that he was consulted 30 Subsequent developments EditProtests Edit Many Tunisians initially supported Saied s move with tens of thousands taking to the streets to celebrate the coup soon after its announcement 50 However economic downturn has since reduced Saied s popularity 51 Outside the parliament building clashes broke out between pro and anti Saied protestors 24 52 The day after the coup Saied imposed a month long curfew prohibiting the movement of people and cars between cities as well as public gatherings of more than three people 53 52 In spite of an official ban sporadic protests against Saied continued into March 2023 54 In January 2022 a protestor died of wounds he sustained during a crackdown on protests by security forces making him the first death of the anti Saied protests 55 although in the preceding November a protester was killed by security forces during a demonstration against the reopening of a controlled landfill in Aguereb 56 Changes to the political system Edit On 24 August 2021 Saied announced the extension of the extraordinary measures until further notice 57 On 22 September 2021 he announced that he would rule by decree and suspend constitutional provisions that go against the extraordinary measures 58 59 He also announced his intention to appoint a committee to draft amendments to the constitution 60 and said that members of parliament will no longer receive their salaries 58 On 29 September 2021 two months after the coup Saied appointed Najla Bouden to the premiership 61 Although this made her the first female Prime Minister in Tunisia and in the Arab World she has been criticised as no more than a figurehead 62 On 20 March 2022 Saied dissolved the Parliament which had been frozen for eight months after members arranged an online session in which they voted against Saied s extraordinary measures 63 On 30 June 2022 Saied unveiled a draft for a new constitution 64 which introduced sweeping changes and increased the power of the presidency at the expense of the legislature which he split into two chambers and the judiciary 65 The draft was criticised as undemocratic 66 A referendum to approve the draft held on 25 July 2022 the first anniversary of the coup saw 94 6 of valid ballots approving the draft but turnout was only 30 5 after most of the opposition called for a boycott 67 Legal proceedings against opposition figures Edit Since 25 July 2021 a number of parliamentarians and activists have been prosecuted for denouncing the president s actions 68 On 30 July 2021 Yassin Ayari a member of parliament and a critic of Saied was arrested at his house by security forces 69 On 17 September 2021 Seifeddine Makhlouf another parliamentarian was arrested 70 He was later sentenced by a military court to 14 months in prison 71 On 31 December 2021 Noureddine Bhiri deputy head of Ennahda was arrested over accusations of terrorism 72 On 2 January 2022 he was transferred to a hospital after going on hunger strike 73 The United Nations condemned the arrest as did Human Rights Watch He was released in March 2022 74 However he was arrested again on 13 February 2023 75 Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi has been summoned by courts several times including in July 2022 and November 2022 for money laundering 76 77 and in February 2023 for inciting Tunisians to kill each other 78 Ghannouchi has denied the allegations insisting that they are meant to divert attention from the real problems 77 Erosion of judicial independence Edit Since the coup several judges have been banned from travelling or placed under house arrest without approval from the Supreme Judicial Council 79 The council which was tasked with ensuring judicial independence and disciplining judges was dissolved by Saied on 6 February 2022 80 On 1 June 2022 Saied dismissed 57 judges and prosecutors for alleged corruption and hindering the pursuit of those suspected in terrorism cases 81 Despite a court order in August that ruled in favour of reinstating 49 of those dismissed the Saied appointed justice minister announced the preparation of criminal cases against the dismissed judges drawing criticism from Human Rights Watch 82 Restrictions on the media Edit On 26 July 2021 Tunisian police raided the bureau of Al Jazeera in Tunis without warrants or prior notification 83 84 The Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor and Journalists for Human Rights have documented several restrictions imposed on journalists since the coup The violations documented included illegal censorship repression arbitrary detention and security and judicial prosecution 85 See also Edit2021 Tunisian protests Political impact of the COVID 19 pandemicReferences Edit Tunisian prime minister wins confidence vote amid crisis AP NEWS 2 September 2020 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisia premier designate names a technocratic government Reuters 24 August 2020 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisia s parliament approves technocratic government of PM designate Mechichi Al Arabiya English 1 September 2020 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisia s PM sacked after violent Covid protests BBC News 26 July 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisia s parliament approves Cabinet reshuffle amid protests Reuters 27 January 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisian president rejects reshuffle escalating political crisis Reuters 26 January 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisian party decries president s move to dismiss gov t www aa com tr Retrieved 25 March 2023 EXCLUSIVE Tunisian prime minister was assaulted in palace before coup Middle East Eye Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisia An overlapping political and constitutional crisis Al Jazeera Centre for Studies studies aljazeera net Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisian Premier brushes aside calls to step down The North Africa Post Retrieved 25 March 2023 Writer Staff France Presse Agence Tunisia From president s power grab to new parliament www zawya com Retrieved 25 March 2023 The boat is sinking Tunisia warns of COVID 19 catastrophe www aljazeera com Retrieved 24 March 2023 Leading Ennahda figure attacks Al Arabiya Al Hadath over Tunisia protests coverage Al Arabiya English 25 July 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Protests across Tunisia as COVID 19 surges and economy suffers Arab News 25 July 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Amara Tarek 25 July 2021 Protests across Tunisia target Ennahda party over political crisis Reuters Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisian president sacks PM suspends parliament after violent protests France 24 25 July 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisian President Sacks Premier Suspends Parliament VOA Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisia President s Seizure of Powers Threatens Rights Human Rights Watch 27 July 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisia s president accused of coup after dismissing PM www aljazeera com Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisian premier to step down following president s appointment www aa com tr Retrieved 26 March 2023 Parker Claire 26 July 2021 Tunisia s president fires prime minister dismisses government freezes parliament Washington Post Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b c d Amara Tarek Mcdowall Angus 26 July 2021 Tunisian president ousts government in move critics call a coup Reuters Retrieved 25 March 2023 A spring far behind Tunisian President Kais Saied seizes power sacks Prime Minister frontline thehindu com 4 September 2021 Retrieved 25 March 2023 a b Tunisian Democracy Seen as Vulnerable After President Fires PM and Suspends Parliament VOA Retrieved 25 March 2023 Tunisia s fledgling democracy sole survivor of the Arab Spring in crisis as president takes emergency powers Washington Post ISSN 0190 8286 Retrieved 25 March 2023 Agency Anadolu 27 July 2021 Tunisian PM to step down as major parliamentary blocs dismiss coup Daily Sabah Retrieved 26 March 2023 Tunisia s prime minister beaten up in palace before agreeing to resign The Independent 29 July 2021 Retrieved 26 March 2023 Tunisia coup Deposed PM denies being beaten before he resigned reports local media Middle East Eye Retrieved 26 March 2023 Dismissed Tunisian PM Mechichi appears for first time in 11 days euronews 6 August 2021 Retrieved 26 March 2023 a b Ennahda s Ghannouchi vows to fight coup threatening Tunisia constitution Ennahda s Ghannouchi vows to fight coup threatening Tunisia constitution Retrieved 26 March 2023 Agency Anadolu 26 July 2021 Tunisia parliament strongly rejects coup Daily Sabah Retrieved 26 March 2023 Presse AFP Agence France Tunisia s Largest Party Protests Outside Army blocked Parliament www barrons com Retrieved 26 March 2023 a b Political parties decry Tunisia coup as crowds celebrate on street Political parties decry Tunisia coup as crowds celebrate on street Retrieved 28 March 2023 Tunisian parties announce coalition to counter President Saied www aljazeera com Retrieved 29 March 2023 تعرف على جبهة الخلاص الوطني هيئات تعمل لـ إنقاذ تونس من إجراءات قيس سعيد www aljazeera net in Arabic Retrieved 29 March 2023 National The 12 July 2022 Tunisian President Kais Saied vows zero tolerance of referendum fraud The National Retrieved 29 March 2023 Tunisia election Powerful UGTT union is distancing itself from the government Le Monde fr 17 December 2022 Retrieved 29 March 2023 Tunisia trade union no longer accepts president s agenda www aljazeera com Retrieved 29 March 2023 a b World reacts to Tunisia s political turmoil www aljazeera com Retrieved 28 March 2023 El Gobierno llama a la calma y a la estabilidad en Tunez Cadena COPE 27 July 2021 Archived from the original on 27 July 2021 Retrieved 27 July 2021 a b Ibrahim Farah Najjar Arwa Tunisia Sacked PM says will hand over responsibility www aljazeera com Retrieved 28 March 2023 Nedos Vassilis Greece backs Tunisia s fight for stability eKathimerini com www ekathimerini com Retrieved 28 March 2023 Influential voices in Egypt Saudi Arabia and UAE celebrate Tunisia turmoil as blow to political Islam Washington Post ISSN 0190 8286 Retrieved 28 March 2023 How the world reacted to the coup in Tunisia Middle East Eye Retrieved 28 March 2023 Arab League urges Tunisia to quickly get through current turbulent phase Reuters 26 July 2021 Retrieved 14 August 2022 Joint Statement Tunisia Unprecedented Confiscation of Power by the Presidency Human Rights Watch 27 September 2021 Retrieved 27 September 2021 Tunisian constitution of 2014 see Article 80 PDF Grewal Sharan 26 July 2021 Kais Saied s power grab in Tunisia Brookings Retrieved 26 March 2023 Tunisia president removes government says it s not a coup Politics ANSAMed 26 July 2021 Retrieved 26 March 2023 Amara Tarek 26 July 2021 Supporters of Tunisian president celebrate government ousting with cheers fireworks Reuters Retrieved 29 March 2023 Amara Tarek Mcdowall Angus 26 July 2022 Tunisians back new constitution but with low turnout Reuters Retrieved 29 March 2023 a b Staff 27 July 2021 Tunisia s president imposes month long curfew and bans gatherings The Guardian ISSN 0261 3077 Retrieved 26 March 2023 Night curfew imposed work at government offices suspended for two days in Tunisia www gulftoday ae Retrieved 26 March 2023 Tunisian opposition defies protest ban hundreds demonstrate against president WION Retrieved 26 March 2023 Tunisian dies after protesting President Saied s moves www aljazeera com Retrieved 29 March 2023 National Guard station burnt down in Tunisia after security forces kill one during anti landfill protests 11 November 2021 AfricaNews 24 August 2021 Tunisia s president extends suspension of parliament until further notice Africanews Retrieved 26 March 2023 a b Brown Erin Clare 22 September 2021 Tunisia s president Kais Saied suspends constitution The National Retrieved 27 March 2023 Amara Tarek Mcdowall Angus 23 September 2021 Tunisian president moves to cement one man rule Reuters Retrieved 27 March 2023 Reuters 22 September 2021 Tunisia s president to ignore parts of the constitution and rule by decree The Guardian ISSN 0261 3077 Retrieved 27 March 2023 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a last has generic name help Tunisia s president appoints Najla Bouden Romdhane as country s first woman PM Al Arabiya English 29 September 2021 Retrieved 27 March 2023 The Controversy Over the Arab World s First Female Prime Minister Bloomberg com 14 October 2021 Retrieved 27 March 2023 Tunisia s president dissolves parliament extending power grab www aljazeera com Retrieved 28 March 2023 Brown Erin Clare 30 June 2022 Tunisia s Kais Saied reveals draft of new constitution with sweeping changes to government The National Retrieved 27 March 2023 Yee Vivian 1 July 2022 Tunisia s President Drafts Constitution Giving Himself Broad Powers The New York Times ISSN 0362 4331 Retrieved 27 March 2023 Tunisia Saied backpedals in the face of criticism corrects his proposed constitution Atalayar Retrieved 27 March 2023 Tunisia approves new constitution in vote with low turnout France 24 26 July 2022 Retrieved 28 March 2023 Monitor Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Tunisia One man rule setback for human rights and rule of law Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor Retrieved 15 November 2021 Tunisian MP critical of president arrested by security forces www aljazeera com Retrieved 31 July 2021 Nova Redazione Agenzia 17 September 2021 Islamist deputy Seifeddine Makhlouf arrested in Tunis Agenzia Nova Retrieved 30 March 2023 Tunisia detains anti Saied politician Arab News 22 January 2023 Retrieved 30 March 2023 Detained Tunisian politician hospitalised in critical condition www aljazeera com Retrieved 30 March 2023 Hunger striking Tunisia politician agrees to treatment medics Arab News 5 January 2022 Retrieved 30 March 2023 Tunisia Ennahda says senior official Noureddine Bhiri released Middle East Eye Retrieved 30 March 2023 Tunisian police arrest Noureddine Bhiri a prominent opponent of president Saied Reuters 13 February 2023 Retrieved 30 March 2023 Reuters 6 July 2022 Tunisian opposition leader faces money laundering allegations Reuters Retrieved 30 March 2023 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a last has generic name help a b AfricaNews 10 November 2022 Tunisia Opposition chief back in court for money laundering Africanews Retrieved 30 March 2023 AfricaNews 21 February 2023 Tunisian Islamist opposition leader in court on incitement charges Africanews Retrieved 30 March 2023 Monitor Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Tunisia Banning judges from traveling raises fears of undermining the judiciary Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor Retrieved 15 November 2021 Amara Tarek 6 February 2022 Tunisian president dissolves Supreme Judicial Council Reuters Retrieved 30 March 2023 Mostafa Amr 2 June 2022 Tunisian President Kais Saied sacks 57 judges over alleged corruption The National Retrieved 27 March 2023 Tunisia President Intensifies Attacks on Judicial Independence Human Rights Watch 27 February 2023 Retrieved 27 March 2023 Tunisia police storm Al Jazeera bureau in Tunis www aljazeera com Retrieved 29 March 2023 Tunisian security forces storm Al Jazeera office in Tunis Tunisian security forces storm Al Jazeera office in Tunis Retrieved 29 March 2023 Monitor Euro Med Human Rights Reporting under the Weight of Fear Euro Med Monitor Journalists for Human Rights report violations against press in Tunisia Euro Med Human Rights Monitor Retrieved 19 May 2022 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2021 Tunisian self coup amp oldid 1147666726, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

article

, read, download, free, free download, mp3, video, mp4, 3gp, jpg, jpeg, gif, png, picture, music, song, movie, book, game, games.