File photo of Tunisian President Kais Saied. AP
The heads of the Tunisian Swimming Federation and the National Anti-Doping Agency (ANAD) were arrested after the national flag was covered at an event in Tunis, a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office told AFP on Monday.
The national flag was covered at the national swimming federation's championships held at the Rades Olympic Pool on Friday, following a World Anti-Doping Agency sanction banning the use of the Tunisian flag in competitions.
This prompted an angry reaction from Tunisian President Kais Saied.
Spokesman Mohamed Sadok Juini said the investigation had so far put nine people in police custody since Saturday, including the two presidents who have been detained by police and seven other officials summoned to court on Monday. said he has been indicted.
They are accused of “attacking the Tunisian flag,” “forming an organized group to commit attacks and cause disorder,” and “conspiring against the internal security” of the state, Juini said.
Montreal-based WADA on Monday night expressed “deep concern” over reports of the arrest of the ANAD director-general, calling for his “immediate and unconditional release and the dropping of any charges against him in this regard.” issued a statement calling for “. ”
WADA said it has been working with authorities to quickly address the issue since the Tunisian non-compliance was discovered.
“Certainly, great progress has been made in this regard, making this latest development even more disappointing and untimely.
“WADA is confident that this issue will be resolved in the near future,” the agency's statement said.
Hours after Friday's flag incident, a video released by the presidential palace showed Saied visiting a swimming pool near Tunis, raising the flag and singing the national anthem.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Ahmed Khachani and other ministers, Saied said Tunisia “cannot tolerate this. Tunisia has priority over the Olympic Committee and other committees.”
A visibly upset Mr Said called covering the flag an “act of aggression.”
In a statement issued between Friday and Saturday night, the Tunisian Ministry of Youth and Sports announced the dissolution of the swimming federation's governing board and the dismissal of the ANAD chief and sports officials based in Ben Alous, near Tunis.
The decision follows President Said's “instruction” to “take immediate action.” To those responsible for the flag concealment incident,'' the statement said.
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