The grip of Tunisian President Kais Saied on the country’s judicial institutions continues to draw fierce criticism from political figures and rights advocates.

Tunisian President Kais Saied is intensifying his campaign against Leader of Ennahda party, Ghannouchi, wielding the courts as a weapon in a shocking ruling that has alarmed both Tunisians and international human rights groups.

Tunisian leftist activist Ezzedine Hazgui said the country’s hopes now rest with its youth to confront President Kais Saied’s growing authoritarianism and revive the spirit of the revolution, expressing confidence in their ability to reclaim Tunisia’s democratic path.

After years of anticipation on Tunisia’s streets, the country’s most politically charged murder case concluded on October 14, 2025, when the Court of Appeal’s terrorism chamber in Tunis convicted 24 defendants in the assassination of leftist leader Chokri Belaid while clearing Ennahda of any involvement.

U.S. lawmakers push for sanctions as Tunisia’s democracy and human rights erode under President Saied.