Update on the situation in Tunisia - 31st March 2022

President Kais Saied’s decision, 31st March, to dissolve the Tunisian Assembly of Representatives and put MPs on trial is deeply concerning.Initial reports indicate that Tunisian authorities are beginning to arrest of 121 Parliamentarians who participated in a virtual meeting of Parliament, 30thMarch, on charges that risk carrying the death penalty.At a time when Tunisia needs inclusive leadership to tackle its economic crisis, these events risk polarising Tunisian politics further and undermining stability.It is a dark day for democracy and Tunisia. It undermines the principles of democracy and reintroduces a style of autocratic rule that destabilises the region.