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04 Feb 2022 | 02:56 AM UTC

Tunisia: Rival political parties call for protests in Tunis Feb. 6

Several rival political parties and organizations call for protests Feb. 6 in Tunis, Tunisia. Increased security likely; clashes possible.

Warning

Event

Rival political parties are calling for protests in Tunis Feb. 6. The Ennahda Movement, a self-defined Islamic democratic political party, plans to demonstrate in solidarity with Noureddine Bhiri on Revolution Avenue. Bhiri is a member of the Ennahda movement and served as the country's Justice Minister in 2011. Security forces detained Bhiri in December 2021 on charges of corruption. The protest will likely be well attended by Ennahda supporters.

At least seven political parties and labor unions, including the People's Movement, United Democratic Nationalists, and the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), are also calling for rallies and gatherings Feb. 6 to commemorate the assassination of prominent Tunisian politician Chokri Belaid, who was fatally shot outside his home in El Menzah in 2013. Belaid belonged to the secular Democratic Patriots' Unified Party and was a vocal critic of Ennahda. Several political parties and organizations have accused Ennahda of plotting and ordering Belaid's assassination and are demanding that authorities hold the Islamist party accountable.

Heightened security measures and disruptions to transport and business are likely in areas subject to high levels of protest activity. Clashes may accompany related demonstrations, and are particularly likely between supporters of rival political groups and if police attempt to forcibly disperse crowds. Popular protest sites in Tunisia include public squares, city centers, and government buildings; anti-government protests in Tunis are likely to materialize near the country's Parliament building, Habib Bourguiba Avenue, and Municipal Theatre, among other prominent locations. Security forces will likely erect roadblocks and may close roads around planned protest sites to prevent demonstrators from gathering.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations Feb. 6 due to the potential for violence. Exercise caution near likely protest venues. Monitor local media for protest activity, as organizers may not announce events in advance. Confirm the availability of transport on protest days, as rail and traffic disruptions are possible, and allow additional time to reach destinations. Plan for increased security and localized disruptions near demonstrations. Follow all police instructions. Do not attempt to photograph or otherwise record demonstrations. Immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building if violence erupts.