Tunisia
More than one thousand people demonstrated in eastern Tunisia on Friday, to protest against societal reforms recently proposed by a presidential commission.
Protesters gathered in the center of Sfax at the call of religious associations and representatives of civil society. They marched through the city under police surveillance.
The Commission for Individual Freedoms and Equality, set up by President Béji Caïd Essebsi, on June 8 had proposed reforms, regarding equal inheritance and decriminalizing homosexuality.
“Tunisian women refuse equality between the sexes in inheritance according to a study by Dr. Abdellatif al-Harmassi. This is because succession is an integral entity based on several foundations. I wouldn’t go into details, but Tunisian women refuse equality between men and women in inheritance”, said protester, Taysir Boudabbous.
Mohamed Mednin is a member of the al-Khataba association.
“We call for this report to be revoked because it flouts the provisions of Sharia law and the provisions of the constitution. This is our most important demand”, Mednin said.
The Commission set up by the authorities was mandated to bring Tunisian laws in line with the values enshrined in the 2014 Constitution, adopted after the 2011 revolution. Authorities say the approach “is not contrary to the values of Islam.
Human rights campaigners have welcomed these societal reforms.
AFP
Go to video
Burkina Faso soldiers massacred over 200 civilians in a day, Human Rights Watch says
Go to video
Togo bans protests against arrest of opposition activists, constitutional reform
01:51
Togo: Consultation between MPs and traditional leaders begin over constitutional review
Go to video
Togo: Govt delays Apr. 20 polls, consultations launched in wake of controversial reform
Go to video
Zimbabwe: I have no intention to run for a third term - President Mnangagwa
Go to video
Togo: After public outcry, President Gnassingbé orders constitutional reform back to parliament