Tunisia arrests suspect for plotting to kill president: Report

By Alaa Hammoudi

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) – Tunisian security forces arrested a "terrorist" who plotted to assassinate President Kais Saied, according to local media on Sunday.

Chourouk newspaper said the suspect had plotted to target Saied during a planned visit to a coastal city, without giving further details.

The daily added that the suspect was being investigated by the authorities.

There was no comment from the Tunisian authorities on the report.

On Friday, Tunisian security forces in the coastal Monastir city said a suspect who had posted “terror incitement” posts on social media to kill the Tunisian president was arrested.

On the same day, the Tunisian president said political parties that say their reference is Islam seek to plot an assassination against him.

Last month, Saied ousted the government, suspended parliament, and assumed executive authority. While he insists that his exceptional measures are meant to "save" the country, his critics accuse him of orchestrating a coup.

Tunisia has been seen as the only country that succeeded in carrying out a democratic transition among Arab countries which witnessed popular revolutions toppling ruling regimes, including Egypt, Libya, and Yemen.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara