Tunisia: Protesters reject amnesty bill

Hundreds of Tunisians have protested against an amnesty draft law proposed by Tunisian president Beji Caid Essebsi.

The bill dubbed “bill of reconciliation “ proposes that those prosecuted for corruption charges could be freed while they in turn pay a financial penalty and reimburse unduly earned sums.

Tunisians find the bill a bitter pill to swallow as they claim it favours former close aides of Ben Ali’s regime.

“We are in agreement that this bill should be withdrawn because this is not a draft law for national reconciliation. It is a bill for reconciliation with corruption, with those who have stolen the wealth of the country,” Hamma Hammami, leader of the Popular Front told AFP.

The controversial bill is being debated in parliament. Six years after the revolution, corruption remains a widespread problem in Tunisia.

““Everyone knows that this bill is unconstitutional, it does not solve any of the problems of the country, it does not participate in improving investment and financing development,” Mustapha Ben Jaafar, former President of the National Constituent Assembly said.

The founders of the protest movement are glad that Tunisia’s previously divided opposition have joined voices to attack the controversial bill.