Over Wednesday, Tunisia’s president terminated 57 judges, accusing them of corruption, supporting “terrorists,” and sexual harassment as he tightened his grip on the country’s judiciary.
Saied stated in a televised address on Wednesday that he has “given the judiciary opportunity after opportunity and warning after warning to purify itself.” After sacking the cabinet and seizing executive powers in July, critics accused Saied of attempting to establish one-man rule.
He was accused of conducting a coup after abandoning the 2014 constitution in order to rule by decree rather than by law. The judge’s removal was finalized by decree in the Official Gazette on Wednesday night.
Last year, Saied granted himself broad powers, claiming they were necessary to “rescue the country from impending peril” and “protect the people.”
Under pressure from Tunisia’s allies, who are concerned about the country’s democratic slide, Saied has sketched out a plan that includes holding a vote on political reforms to amend the constitution on July 25.
Then, on Dec. 17, there will be a parliamentary election.
