His detention and that of other Ennahda movement members come amid an escalation of repression against opposition forces in the country by President Kais Saied

Ghannouchi’s party and his supporters believe his conviction is politically motivated and part of President Kais Saied’s attempts to silence opposition in the country 

A number of opposition leaders have been arrested and faced persecution since President Kais Saied took over virtually all power in the country in July 2021

The Workers’ Party termed the decision to prosecute its general secretary Hamma Hammami on charges of violating electoral laws a political stunt by the Kais Saied government

After sacking the prime minister and suspending the parliament in July, president Kais Saied issued decree 117 on Wednesday, according to which he can rule by bypassing the provisions of the constitution adopted in 2014

The leftist Workers’ Party of Tunisia released a statement on Monday condemning the president’s moves and calling them a violation of the constitution.

As protests against the mismanagement of the pandemic and deepening economic crisis continue, many warn that the president’s moves violate the constitution and endanger Tunisia’s constitution

Last week, thousands of protesters and Ennahda supporters participated in a rally expressing support for prime minister Hichem Mechichi in his dispute with the president over a recent cabinet reshuffle and new ministerial appointments announced earlier this year

The political situation in Tunisia was further complicated following last week’s resignation of Elyes Fakhfakh from the post of prime minister and a vote of no-confidence against the speaker of parliament