Tunisia's Salvation Front slams sacking of judges by president

By Yosra Ounas
TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) – Tunisia's National Salvation Front on Thursday condemned a decision by President Kais Saied to sack dozens of judges amid a political crisis gripping the North African country.

“Dismissal of judges is a dangerous measure that pushes the country to a confrontation,” the Front said in a statement.

“This measure will escalate the political crisis in the country,” it warned, going on to call on the country’s political forces to join hands “to restore Tunisia to constitutional legitimacy and good governance.”

On Wednesday, Saied issued a decree sacking 57 judges, accusing them of corruption and protecting terrorists.

Among those sacked was Youssef Bouzaker, the former head of the Supreme Judicial Council whose members the Tunisian president replaced this year.

Another prominent judge on the list was Bachir Akremi, whom Saied’s supporters accuse of being too close to the Ennahda Party.

Formed in April, the National Salvation Front comprises of ten political parties and groups, including Ennahda Movement.

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis since July 25, 2021, when Saied dismissed the government, suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority, in a move decried by opponents as a “coup.” He later dissolved the parliament in March after lawmakers held a session to revoke his measures.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar