With a large part of the opposition and representatives of civil society in Tunisia demanding that the Revolution Protection Leagues (RPLs) be dissolved, accusing them of being a covert arm of the ruling Islamic Ennahda Movement, the Siliana Revolution Protection League (SRPL) took it upon itself to bring its activities to an end. SRPL former General Secretary, Shoukri Nassri, explains how this came about and why.
Mr. Nassri, when did you first become interested in politics?
With a large part of the opposition and representatives of civil society in Tunisia demanding that the Revolution Protection Leagues (RPLs) be dissolved, accusing them of being a covert arm of the ruling Islamic Ennahda Movement, the Siliana Revolution Protection League (SRPL) took it upon itself to bring its activities to an end. SRPL former General Secretary, Shoukri Nassri, explains how this came about and why.
Mr. Nassri, when did you first become interested in politics?
When I was 14, I accidentally entered the world of politics as an opponent of Ben Ali’s regime. I was detained while at a book store whose owner was a member of an opposition party.
When did you decide to form SRPL?
SRPL was formed after the shotgun incidents, which damaged the eyesight of about 60 young men. Siliana needed a structure to protect it and its dignity because administrative corruption was rampant in almost all institutions, and everything was the same as under Ben Ali. Therefore, we decided to fight corruption and corruptors and expose all the practices that were occurring against the interests of Siliana and its inhabitants since there were no associations addressing these phenomena. Even the Regional Labor Union serves its personal interests rather than those of the working class and the tug of war taking place in Siliana is de facto caused by the conflict between two major powers, the Tunisian General Labor Union (the biggest trade union) and Ennahda.
Why have you decided to dissolve SRPL?
To avoid the repeated accusations of being affiliated with Ennahda, protecting its interests rather than the people’s, and promoting violence. Before dissolving SRPL, I met with 45 local associations which confirmed our independence as well as our non-affiliation with Ennahda, the (leftist) Popular Front, nor any party whatsoever.
We decided for dissolution following our numerous attempts to address corruption and but to no avail. Ennahda was an obstacle in our way due to the conflict of its interests with what we were doing to expose the practices of some government officials in Siliana.
Is this what explains the threats you said you received from Ennahda?
I have been directly threatened on Radio “Shems FM” by the National Revolution Protection League (NRPL) general secretary who stressed that NRPL would re-form SRPL. Then, two cars carrying eight armed persons were sent to Siliana and they threatened to kill me. I am sure they belong to Rashid al-Ghannouchi and his party. I filed a complaint in this concern at the Siliana Police Department.
Are you with affiliating some RPLs, like those of Jendouba, Tozeur, and Sidi Bouzid – which have recently been following your approach – with you?
These RPLs have been formed to protect the aims of the revolution rather than Ennahda, but unfortunately several RPLs have deviated from their courses, moved away from their goals, and have become dedicated to protecting Ennahda, which is proven through their funding associations, which are affiliated with Ennahda. Tunisia does not need RPLs that promote violence and instability. Therefore, dissolving them is the most appropriate solution.
What is your comment on the final report of the independent commission in charge of investigating the shotguns incidents?
Siliana Governorate has been in the opposition since Bourguiba’s regime because it has been governed by “brokers” rather than officials. The events that have taken place in Siliana resulted from accumulated problems for many years. Ennahda has lost a large grassroots following in the elections, which is why it is no longer interested in Siliana’s development.
True, the independent commission did a commendable job since it was fair to the Silianan population, but it will not be able to complete defending the rights of the affected during these incidents because it is only a commission of inquiry and it is not tasked with following-up. Therefore, rights will be lost as our hopes for employment and development have been lost.
What do the active RPLs call for today?
I believe that the best solution is to dissolve RPLs and re-form them as civil organizations so as to be a structure of parties and human rights activists targeting Tunisia’s interests. The governorates should then aim to resist corruption and maintain the gains of development in the internal areas in particular.
