Tunisian political detainees call for unity to restore democracy

The signatories, representing various political and ideological backgrounds, believe Tunisia is at a "delicate stage in its history." They contend that measures taken on July 25, 2021, nullified the achievements of the 2010-2011 revolution and the democratic transition, specifically citing the loss of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, separation of powers, judicial independence, public liberties, media pluralism, freedom of expression on social media, free elections supervised by an independent body, and elected institutions. The letter's authors assert that Tunisia has reverted to an "absolute personal power regime" and emphasize that restoring democratic gains is now the common priority for all democrats.

They advocate for setting aside political and ideological differences until democracy and liberties are re-established. They suggest that disagreements on secondary issues or fundamental reforms can be resolved later through national dialogue and then decided by elections. The signatories, including Ahmed Néjib Chebbi, Ayachi Hammami, Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, Rached Ghannouchi, Issam Chebbi, Abdelhamid Jelassi, Ridha Belhaj, Zied El Heni, Chaïma Issa, Ghazi Chaouachi, and Khayem Turki, appeal to their "democratic friends" and civil society organizations to work together to