Tunisian Opposition Leader Neijib Chebbi Arrested in Widening Crackdown

Is President Saied eliminating peaceful dissent through sham trials, or fighting corruption to restore Tunisia's democracy?
Tunisian Opposition Leader Neijib Chebbi Arrested in Widening Crackdown
Above: Ahmed Nejib Chebbi gives an interview to the press outside the Court of Appeal in Tunis, on Nov. 27, 2025. Image credit: Ben Ibrahim/Getty Images

The Spin

Government-critical narrative

Tunisia's entire opposition now sits in prison or exile after an 81-year-old democracy advocate was arrested following a sham mass trial handing down decades-long sentences for fabricated terrorism charges. The judiciary has become a political weapon to eliminate peaceful dissent, with dozens prosecuted under laws criminalizing free speech, while civil society faces systematic destruction through asset freezes and forced closures. Dictatorship has officially returned 15 years after the revolution.

Pro-government narrative

The arrest of Jajib Chebbi, identified as a key instigator of unrest, underscores the government’s resolve to protect state institutions and the rule of law. Building on this, President Saied is driving administrative reforms focused on efficiency, transparency and social justice to rebuild trust after decades of corruption, while the suspension of a parliament that had devolved into a noisy marketplace offered Tunisia’s democracy a needed reset, backed by an army committed to safeguarding the republic.

Metaculus Prediction


Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.

Public Figures



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.0