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Trending: Democracy on the brink in Tunisia?

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Trending: Power

24/02/2024 GMT

Democracy on the brink in Tunisia?

BBC World Service - Trending, Democracy on the brink in Tunisia?

Is social media being used to surveil and suppress debate in Tunisia?

Social media played a vital role in sparking pro-democracy protests in Tunisia in 2011. Is it now being used to surveil and suppress debate?

In 2011, Tunisians took to the streets against the ruling authoritarian regime. Catalysed by social media, the protests would reverberate around the world, spark the Arab Spring and lead to significant democratic reforms in the country. 

More recently, Tunisia’s democracy has reached a turning point. In 2021, as public frustration with the pandemic and the failing economy grew, the Tunisian President Kais Saied sacked the prime minister, suspended parliament and pushed through constitutional reforms consolidating his power.

And now, it appears online debate is being suppressed. BBC Trending speaks to people who have experienced first hand how social media can be used to survey and attack the government’s critics.

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