PARIS — A French student who had been detained in Tunisia for nearly a month returned to Paris on Friday following intensive diplomatic negotiations.
Victor Dupont, a 27-year-old doctoral student at Aix-Marseille University specializing in the Arab and Islamic world, arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport in the afternoon, where he was warmly welcomed by friends and supporters, 27 days after his arrest in Tunis.
Dupont, whose research focuses on social movements and the 2011 Tunisian revolution, was among three French nationals taken into custody on October 19. His arrest generated significant international attention and criticism, particularly because he had not been an outspoken opponent of the Tunisian government, which has in recent years detained journalists, activists, and other dissenters.
The situation raised alarms about the safety of foreigners in Tunisia, a country where President Kais Saied has been increasingly restricting rights and freedoms.
Supporters of Dupont, including colleagues from his university and associations advocating for scholars engaged in Middle Eastern and North African studies, asserted that his academic work posed no security threat and labeled the charges against him as baseless.
In a correspondence directed at Saied and Tunisia’s Ministry of Higher Education, various academic associations, including those from France, Italy, and the UK, emphasized that Dupont’s research had received prior approval from the Tunisian government. They characterized the allegations as lacking both basis and credibility.
“We condemn the improper use of the military court system,” they stated in their letter dated November 12.
Saied has capitalized on populist sentiment to secure two terms in office, effectively reversing many of the democratic strides achieved after Tunisia became the first country to overthrow a long-standing dictator in 2011 during the Arab Spring uprisings.
Ties between Tunisia and France have remained robust since Tunisia gained independence from French colonial rule 75 years ago. France constitutes Tunisia’s primary trade partner, is home to a substantial Tunisian expatriate community, and plays a vital role in discussions regarding migration from North Africa to Europe.
A French diplomatic source, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the case, indicated that officials have been in discussions with their Tunisian counterparts regarding Dupont’s situation since late October. Another official revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron had recently engaged in two conversations with Saied about the matter, which has become a frequent topic among senior diplomats.
The other two individuals arrested alongside Dupont have since been released.