Tunisia has extended a long-running state of emergency by one month until Jan. 30, 2024, the state news agency reported on Saturday citing the official gazette. The North African nation has been under a state of emergency since 2015 after an attack in which several presidential guards were killed. Declared initially on November 24, 2015, in response to the attack on the presidential guard resulting in 12 fatalities, the state of emergency in the country has been continuously extended. This measure empowers the nation’s security forces with exceptional authority, enabling control over the press and prohibiting strikes and meetings that may cause disorder. Criticised by rights groups, the state of emergency has been condemned for contributing to extensive human rights violations.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 30, 2023 17:02 UTC