Hundreds of Tunisians protest to demand release of jailed LGBT rights activist
- Protesters gathered on the landmark Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis demanding ‘freedom for Amdouni’
- Many Tunisians are angered at a political class seen as locked in power struggles and disconnected from the suffering of ordinary people
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of the Tunisian capital Saturday to demand the release of a gay rights and democracy activist sentenced to jail for insulting police officers.
Rania Amdouni, a 26-year-old LGBT rights campaigner often seen at pro-democracy protests, has been the target of a smear campaign by police unions after taking part in protests against police repression in January.
Her photo has been repeatedly posted on social media, particularly by police unions, accompanied by degrading comments and personal information, including her address.
On Thursday, Amdouni’s lawyer Amine Hadiji said she was sentenced to six months in prison for insulting officers as she tried to lodge a complaint over police intimidation.
Protesters gathered on the landmark Habib Bourguiba Avenue in central Tunis on Saturday demanding “freedom for Amdouni” and other Tunisians arrested during recent demonstrations.
They carried pictures of Amdouni and signs saying “never retreat, never surrender the resistance” and “freedom is a must”.