Demonstrators critical of the number two of the Saudi kingdom, for involvement in Khashoggi's death. Journalists' union join civil society protests. More scheduled today, coinciding with the arrival of the crowned prince.
Tunis (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Human rights activists demonstrated yesterday afternoon against the visit of Saudi hereditary prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), in the context of the economic and diplomatic tour of the Arab world.
Protests have been sparked by Mbs’ alleged role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, in spite of official denials of Riyadh.
Tunisia is one of the few states in the Muslim Arab world where protests are authorized; the 2011 Arab Spring led to the overthrow of the long-time leader Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali and the subsequent introduction of some basic rights. These include the "most modern" Constitution of the Arab world and equal rights in the field of inheritance.
The arrival of bin Salman is scheduled for today, from Egypt where he met yesterday President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. A visit that has pushed at least 13 activist groups of Tunisian civil society to take to the streets. Among the promoters of the protest are the leaders of the journalists' union, who have chosen as their symbol the central Habib Bourguiba avenue, the scene of the demonstrations against Ben Ali.
The activists showed signs praising "freedom for Saudi women" and against the crowned prince: "Bin Salman, you're the number one killer." "The Tunisian revolution - said Soukaina Abdessamad, leader of the journalist union - cannot accept to welcome him [Mbs] and allow it to clean up [with this journey] from the murder".
New protests are also scheduled today, coinciding with the visit of bin Salman.