Tunisia rejects 'interference' as arrests criticised
Tunisians have been protesting against Mr. Saied's assumption of nearly entire authority and the country's worsening political and economic problems while becoming more and more irate with the state of the economy.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
In response to criticism regarding a recent wave of arrests targeting his detractors, Tunisian President Kais Saied has denied "foreign influence."
In his words on Thursday, "Tunisia is an independent, sovereign state that is not under colonization or protection, and its sovereignty is beyond all other considerations."
The nation "was able to diagnose our difficulties," he continued.
On Wednesday, the US expressed its "grave concern" over recent arrests that were reportedly made of journalists, business executives, and lawmakers. The UN also expressed concern on the arrests.
However, the president said on Thursday that he was acting in strict accordance with the law.
On Wednesday, he claimed that some of the people in custody were traitors who were to blame for the sharp price increases and serious food shortages.
Tunisians have been protesting against Mr. Saied's assumption of nearly entire authority and the country's worsening political and economic problems while becoming more and more irate with the state of the economy.
The president of Tunisia shut down the legislature in 2021 and transitioned to a presidency by decree before revising the constitution.
