Tunisia protest draws 3,000 over costs and freedoms

More than 3,000 people demonstrated in Tunis on October 17 against rising living costs and what they described as a rollback of rights and freedoms.

The march through the city centre was organised by the Tunisian General Labour Union and opposition parties. Placards included the slogans "No democracy without freedoms" and "No dignity with poverty".

A heavy police presence watched the demonstration, and several roads were closed to cars and pedestrians.

Opposition figure Sihem Bensedrine told AFP that protesters demanded respect for fundamental freedoms and the release of political prisoners.

Many Tunisians are unhappy about falling purchasing power amid rising prices and persistent economic problems. Rights groups have criticised an erosion of freedoms since President Kais Saied's sweeping power grab in 2021.