Tunisian Police Clash, Media Claims 'Unrest' Not 'State Repression'
The New Arab reports 'clashes' in Kairouan after a man died following a police chase, warning of 'wider unrest.' This framing conveniently sidesteps decades of structural issues that frequently lead to such 'clashes' across North Africa. The 'unrest' isn't some spontaneous youth phenomenon, but a predictable response to oppressive state tactics and widespread discontent with economic opportunities
under President Kais Saied's increasingly authoritarian rule (which has seen him consolidate power and crack down on dissent since 2021). One might charitably assume 'The New Arab' (and outlets mimicking its language) simply missed the memo that state violence against citizens, especially under an authoritarian leader, isn't a mere 'clash.' No, it’s state repression, a well-worn playbook where
police brutality isn't an isolated incident, but a feature of governance. Perhaps they believe calling it 'unrest' makes it sound less like a powder keg and more like a rowdy soccer match.