Thousands in Tunisia protest against president's seizure of governing powers
CBC
Thousands of Tunisians protested against President Kais Saied's seizure of almost total power in the capital on Sunday as the growing numbers taking to the street in recent weeks have raised the risk of unleashing unrest.
A week after thousands demonstrated in support of Saied, the growing numbers raise the possibility of Tunisia's political divisions spiralling into street confrontations between rival camps.
"We will not accept the coup. Enough is enough," said Yassin ben Amor, a protester.
A very heavy police presence stopped any march down Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis. Despite some protesters throwing plastic bottles, there were no clashes.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Khaled Hayouni said the police would deal with protesters from both sides in the same way.
"The Tunisian police is a republican police and it does not intervene in any political side," he said.
Saied dismissed the prime minister, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority in July in moves his foes call a coup. Last month, he brushed aside much of the constitution, which he said he would appoint a committee to amend, adding that he could rule by decree.
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