Following the covering of Tunisia's flag during a swimming championship in Tunis, the heads of the country's swimming federation and National Anti-Doping Organisation (ANAD) have been arrested, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the prosecutor's office on Monday.

The incident occurred in response to sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had prohibited the display of the Tunisian flag at competitions. During the championship organized by the national swimming federation at the Rades Olympic pool, the flag was covered, sparking outrage from Tunisian President Kais Saied.

After an investigation, nine individuals, including the two presidents, have been prosecuted. They face charges such as "attack on the flag of Tunisia", "formation of an organized group to commit attacks and cause disorder", and "plot against the internal security" of the state.

WADA expressed "deep concern" over the arrest of the ANAD director general and called for his immediate release and the dropping of charges against him. The agency emphasized that significant progress had been made in resolving the issue and expressed confidence that it would be resolved soon.

President Saied personally intervened, visiting the pool where the incident occurred, raising the flag, and singing the national anthem. He described the flag covering as "an act of aggression" and emphasized Tunisia's priority over any committee.

In response to the incident, the Tunisian youth and sports ministry dissolved the swimming federation board and dismissed the ANAD chief, following instructions from President Saied to take immediate action against those responsible.

The incident has underscored tensions surrounding the use of national symbols in sporting events and raised questions about the appropriate response to international sanctions.