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March 12: President Moncef Marzouki presided over a Tunisian flag-raising ceremony in the Golden Room at the Presidential Palace in Carthage. During the ceremony, Moncef Marzouki awarded a decoration to student Khaoula Rchidi and issued a message to anyone who desecrates the flag, “a symbol of the Muslim people.” Last week was marked by incidents that took place at the University of Mannouba. The young student, Khaouala Rchidi, who was awarded the Order of the Republic, was moved: “I didn’t think twice; I saw what he was doing and reacted immediately. I’m from Gafsa and I’m hot-blooded. Maybe that’s why I stepped in. Our flag is precious; we must not take it for granted.” After the speech, those present sang the national anthem with great emotion. Khaoula Rchidi was then welcomed into the Golden Salon and honored by the president: “What she did was exceptional; she defended Tunisia. It was moral strength against physical force,” he acknowledged. Amel Aloui, a student and member of the UGET who was assaulted during the incidents at the University of Mannouba, also met with Moncef Marzouki and was applauded by those present.

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