Thousands of Tunisians protest against Saied ahead of presidential election

Thousands of Tunisians took to the streets on Friday to protest president Kais Saied’s growing autocratic rule as he gears up for a second term. 

According to Reuters, this protest marked one of the largest gathering of protesters in two years since Saied dissolved parliament and orchestrated what opponents call a coup. 

Chants such as "Out with dictator Saied" and "No fear, no terror, streets belong to the people" were reportedly heard throughout the demonstrations.

Saied has been under increasing criticism for alleged human rights abuses, including the arbitrary detention of dozens of journalists, lawyers, and activists who have spoken out against him. With the election set for October 6th, tensions continue to escalate.

The Associated Press reports that at least 80 members of the Islamist Ennahda party were arrested in a large sweep that spanned 10 regions this week. Ennahda, Saied’s main opposition party, called this an "unprecedented campaign of raids and violations of the most basic rights guaranteed by law."

The protesters demanded the release of all political prisoners, activists and journalists detained for criticising Saied.