US welcomes Tunisia’s commitment to protect foreign diplomats

TUNIS, Tunisia

The US Embassy on Wednesday welcomed Tunisia’s commitment to protect foreign diplomats and ensure a safe environment for their work.

On Saturday, the Tunisian judiciary said some Tunisians arrested on charges of conspiring against the state had exploited their links with foreign diplomats in the country.

"The United States welcomes confirmation by the Tunisian judiciary that foreign diplomats are protected by the law under international conventions, along with assurances of a better atmosphere for diplomats to conduct their work," the embassy said in a statement.

Since February 11, the Tunisian authorities have launched a wide arrest campaign against critics of President Kais Saied, accusing them of being part of a conspiracy against state security.

The US Embassy voiced concern over the arrest and continued detention of critics in Tunisia, calling for "fair and transparent judicial process for all."

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis that aggravated the country's economic conditions since 2021 when Saied ousted the government and dissolved parliament.

Since then, Saied held a referendum to draft a new Constitution last July and parliamentary elections in December.

While the Tunisian leader insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar