The arrest of pro-regime MP Ahmed al-Saidani over Facebook posts mocking President Kais Saied has reignited debate over parliamentary immunity, free speech and Tunisia’s authoritarian turn.

Tunisia’s families, lawyers, and opposition warn that under President Kais Saied, rising authoritarianism, arbitrary political detentions, and shrinking freedoms threaten the country’s future.

A wave of anger swept Tunisian politicians and human rights advocates after Algeria’s president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and his government handed opposition MP and lawyer Seifeddine Makhlouf over to the regime of President Kais Saied.

Tunisia has been under a near-continuous state of emergency, which President Saied has used to consolidate power, suppress opposition, and restrict freedoms under weak security pretexts.

Tunisia’s military agreement with Algeria has sparked controversy over sovereignty, amid calls for transparency, while leaders insist it strengthens bilateral security.