Tunisian authorities have arrested Siwar Hamooda, a member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), in a targeted act of religious persecution. Siwar was detained early this morning while distributing flyers promoting her faith. She reports that authorities interrogated her about her religious beliefs and confiscated several personal items, including her phone, a USB drive containing religious lectures, and her personal notebook.
During her detention, Siwar faced intensive questioning regarding her affiliation with AROPL. Authorities asked her when she first learned about the faith, when she pledged allegiance, and whether anyone had encouraged her activities. She was questioned about the content of the flyers she distributed, which included the frequency of The Mahdi Has Appeared Satellite Channel.
Siwar disclosed that the interrogation extended to private conversations with other AROPL members, including discussions about spiritual practices and the significance of spreading the message of the Imam Mahdi.
Authorities accused her of promoting Shiite beliefs, a mischaracterization of her faith, and pressed her on comments she had made regarding political leaders and global events. She was asked to explain statements she made about 2025 being a pivotal year and was questioned about her views on Trump, Putin, and Khamenei.
Siwar was released after her initial detention but remains under investigation. She reported that her phone calls with family are now being monitored by authorities, further limiting her ability to freely practice her faith.
This case highlights the increasing pressure faced by members of the AROPL in Tunisia, where freedom of religion and belief remain under threat despite constitutional protections. Siwar’s experience underscores the urgent need for international attention and advocacy to safeguard the rights of individuals to practice their faith without fear of persecution.
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