Tunisia Roundup: Arrests of journalists, air force training, protests, Tunisia-Iraqi meetings
National Swimming Federation board dissolved over flag fracas
Tunisian President Kais Saied has dissolved the National Swimming Federation board for covering the national flag at a meeting in response to sanctions by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA had suspended Tunisia's National Anti-Doping Agency and banned the country from hosting major sporting events and flying its flag. President ordered immediate measures against those responsible for covering the flag. Tunisia has not yet complied with the revised World Anti-Doping Code and faces restrictions at the upcoming Paris Olympics, 24 Digital reports.
Activist arrested over government criticism
Tunisian police raided the Lawyers’ House and detained activist Sonia Dahmani over comments she made on a radio show criticising the government. The National News reports that the Lawyers Bar has announced a strike in protest, and President Kais Saied issued a decree in September against spreading false information online, resulting in the arrest of bloggers, activists, journalists, and lawyers.
Tunisian, Iraqi leaders meet
The Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad Nabil Ammar invited the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to visit Tunisia and discuss activating joint files between the two countries. They also emphasised the importance of enhancing trade, education, and tourism relations and called for a unified Arab position on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. According to Shafaq News, the Tunisian Minister expressed the desire to expand cooperation between the two nations.
Protests over arrest of journalists, media persons
Hundreds of protesters in Tunisia demand release of imprisoned journalists, activists, and opposition figures, and a date for fair presidential elections. There have been arrests of journalists, lawyers, and activists, and the opposition claims the political climate is not suitable for elections. President Saied took additional powers and critics call it a coup. The Election Commission has not announced a date for the presidential elections, The Star reports.
U.S. Air Force trains Tunisian Air Force
The U.S. Air Force and Army conducted a joint training exercise with the Tunisian Air Force to load a HIMARS rocket artillery system onto a C-130J Super Hercules. The exercise took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and involved precision in weight and balance computation, as well as calculating the center of gravity. According to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, the training was part of the African Lion exercise, aimed at strengthening readiness and interoperability among participants.
