A demonstration will be held March 20, 2012 at 11:00 am, on Tunisia’s 56^th Independence anniversary, to “defend democracy.”

This demonstration was called as a response to last Friday’s protest that called for the adoption of Shariaa law as the main basis of the Tunisian constitution.

Mohamed Hedi Maghrebi, a member of Doustourna (a left-leaning political party), confirmed that the party plans to take to the streets to celebrate Independence Day, and to defend the state’s civil character.

“We plan on sending a clear message reiterating that there is only room for a civil Tunisian state. I expect that every free Tunisian is going to participate in such an event,” said Maghrebi.

Representatives from opposition parties such as the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Afek Tounes said that their parties would not participate in the demonstration on an official level.

The protest will be held on Avenue Habib Bouguiba, in downtown Tunis.