Tunisians stage protest over President Saied’s seizure of powers

First major demonstration in Tunis since President Kais Saied seized ruling powers and dismissed parliament in July.

Protesters have taken to the streets of Tunisia’s capital, in a rare show of public dissent towards President Kais Saied’s move to seize extra powers.

Thousands of people rallied in the centre of Tunis on Saturday chanting, “shut down the coup” and “we want a return to legitimacy”. Saied supporters held a counter demonstration chanting, “the people want to dissolve parliament”.

The protest, which was met by heavy police presence on Habib Bourguiba avenue, was the first major demonstration since Saied declared on July 25 he was sacking the prime minister, suspending parliament and assuming executive authority – moves his opponents branded a coup.