US criticizes arrests of opposition figures in Tunisia

(Patria) - The United States has condemned what it called an "escalating pattern" of arrests of opposition figures in Tunisia and expressed concern over reports that people who had been in contact with US diplomats in Tunisia were targeted, AFP reported.

"We are troubled by reports of criminal charges against individuals in Tunisia that result from meetings or conversations with US Embassy staff on the ground," State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.

Price said the alleged criminal charges were part of an "escalation of a pattern of arrests against alleged government critics."

The spokesperson declined to identify any of the individuals believed to have been targeted, nor did he offer any details about their meetings with US diplomats, but he said such meetings were legitimate.

"The primary role of any US embassy, of any diplomat anywhere in the world, is to meet with a wide range of individuals to inform our understanding of different views and perspectives in that country," Price said.

"This is the business of diplomacy, it is the bread and butter of our diplomats... and it is a practice that should not be subject to the prosecution of sources," he said.

Tunisia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded diplomats on Tuesday not to "interfere" in the country's internal affairs, following reports that political figures who were arrested had prior contact with Western diplomats.

Police have arrested about 20 political figures in Tunisia this month, the largest wave of arrests since President Kais Saied dismissed the government and froze parliament in a power grab in July 2021, in the birthplace of the Arab Spring.