France Closes School in Tunisia over Controversial Drawings

As a preventative measure against backlash, French schools in Tunisia temporarily closed and the French Embassy requested additional security after French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published drawings of the Prophet Mohammad. Ennahdha, Tunisia’s Islamist ruling party, condemned the attacks, saying “Muslims have the right to protest but in a peaceful and civilized manner.” The measures came on the heels of a plenary session held September 17 by the National Constituent Assembly to discuss last Friday’s attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunis. The Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Rafik Abdessalem stated that Tunisia will cover the cost of the physical damage done to both the U.S. Embassy and the American Cooperative School. Isam Chebbi, a spokesperson for the Joumhouri Party, called for the resignation of Minister of the Interior Ali Laarayedh, describing the minister as “incompetent in dealing with Tunisia’s security situation.”

In an interview with France 24, Executive Director of POMED Steve McInerney joined the debate about the situation in Tunisia, expressing his belief that “clear warning signs were not taken seriously enough by the government.” McInerney concluded that it was an unpreparedness by members of government and security forces, many of whom are new to governing, that led to the escalation last week, and not a desire by the government to see such actions occur. Mouncef Cheikh Rouhou, a member of Tunisia’s Progressive Democratic Party, said the government needs to accept their responsibility for “securing the peace and security of all persons on Tunisian soil.”

In other news, hundreds of Salafis protested the opening of Lofti Abdeli‘s new play, “Made in Tunisia, 100 percent halal,” which they view as being offensive to Islam. The play, a satire about politics and religion, was cancelled due to the protests. Abdeli, whose life has been threatened, said in a statement, “I am not afraid of threats or assault, but I do really fear for our freedom of expression and creativity.” Culture Minister Mehdi Mabrouk said 12 artistic events were cancelled this summer due to threats from Salafi groups, telling a news conference that he is “afraid of Salafis dominating the cultural landscape.”