Freedom of expression and the downfall of a regime : The Tunisian revolution and the transition to democracy

Ben Ali’s authoritarian rule over Tunisia was caused by corruption, nepotism, and unemployment. I aim to show that the downfall of the regime was enhanced by the repression of freedom of expression. Limiting access to information creates struggle for people in their daily lives; they become more dissatisfied and the will to create change becomes stronger. Repressing freedom of expression to hide the corruption of a regime does not create a stable state, but this combination of factors creates a state that is aimed for instability and chaos. Ben Ali suppressed any opposition through limiting freedoms of expression and thecirculation of information in order to keep his power. Negative comments about his rule where banned; journalists, activists or opposition parties who disobeyed this faced harsh consequences. Ben Ali sustained his regime for 23 years. After the downfall of the regime, there is an effort in the Tunisian state to transition to democracy. With the theories I apply I will show that it is important to establish an open forum for debate if a democracy is to be sustained