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.

The European Parliament recently voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for the release of all those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression in Tunisia.

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