Tunisian Presidential Candidate Re-Arrested Minutes After Release, Lawyers Claim “Kidnapping”

Tunisian police have re-arrested presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel just minutes after his release from jail, according to his lawyers. Zammel, one of three candidates approved for the October 6 presidential election, has faced accusations of falsifying voter forms, a claim he denies. His arrest comes amid growing concerns from opposition parties that the election is rigged in favor of incumbent President Kais Saied.

Zammel, who has been vocal about the “restrictions and intimidation” he faces as a serious competitor, was taken by members of the National Guard to an undisclosed location shortly after his release. His lawyers and campaign officials have condemned the re-arrest, describing it as a kidnapping.

He was kidnapped by members of the National Guard to an unknown location,” Zammel campaign member Mahdi Abdel Jawad, said.

Zammel’s campaign has focused on rebuilding democracy, safeguarding freedoms, and addressing Tunisia’s ongoing economic crisis. The 2019-elected President Saied has since tightened his control, ruling by decree since 2021, a move described by opposition parties as a coup.

Critics argue that Saied’s presidency has eroded the democratic progress made since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution. Opposition groups and human rights organisations have accused the authorities of using arbitrary restrictions to ensure Saied’s re-election. In addition to Zammel, politician Zouhair Maghzaoui is running in the upcoming election.

The Tunisian electoral commission recently rejected a court ruling reinstating three prominent presidential candidates, reinforcing concerns over the fairness of the election process. Political groups and rights organisations have called for the commission to reconsider its decisions to preserve the credibility of the election.

Melissa Enoch

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