M13-211

March 12: President Marzouki awarded Khaoula Rchidi the Order of Knight of the Republic at the Presidential Palace in Carthage; the President of the Republic presided over a Tunisian flag-raising ceremony. During the ceremony, Moncef Marzouki honored the student Khaoula Rchidi and issued a message to anyone who defiles 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, Khaoula 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 intervened. 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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