Tunisian authorities have arrested prominent opposition figure Chaima Issa, who was participating in a protest in the capital on Saturday. The arrest comes a day after an appeals court handed down lengthy prison sentences to a group of opposition leaders, businessmen, and lawyers, sparking concerns about the country’s increasingly authoritarian rule under President Kais Saied.

The opposition leaders, including Issa, were charged with conspiracy to overthrow the president, with sentences ranging up to 45 years. Moments before her arrest, Issa, who was given a 20-year prison sentence, called on the divided opposition to unite and escalate demonstrations against Saied’s government. She urged Tunisians to continue protesting and rejecting what she described as tyranny.

Human Rights Watch has condemned the trial as a “travesty of justice,” highlighting concerns about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Tunisia. The arrests are the latest in a series of crackdowns on dissent since Saied’s power grab in July 2021, when he suspended parliament and expanded executive power to rule by decree.

Saied has jailed many of his critics, including opposition politicians, activists, and journalists, citing the need to end years of chaos and corruption. However, his opponents argue that his actions are aimed at consolidating power and silencing dissent. The international community has expressed concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Tunisia, with many calling for the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democratic institutions.

The arrest of Chaima Issa is likely to escalate tensions in the country, with more arrests expected to follow. The opposition has vowed to continue protesting against Saied’s government, despite the risks of arrest and repression. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how events develop in this North African nation. With its democratic transition under threat, Tunisia is at a critical juncture, and the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the country’s future trajectory.