Faida Hamdy


Faida Hamdy is a former Tunisian municipal inspector who contributed to the outbreak of the Tunisian revolution.

Bouazizi case

Faida Hamdy is a municipal inspector who, in early 2011, confiscated several weighing scales from, and allegedly assaulted and insulted the dead father of street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi. Complaining of being unable to support his family as a result, Bouazizi committed suicide by self-immolation. This event brought about the downfall of the previous Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali via the Tunisian Revolution, and contributed to the onset of the Arab Spring.
In December 2010, Hamdy was detained by the police shortly after the incident. According to Hamdy, she did not slap Bouazizi, and merely confiscated his fruit stall and his weighing scales with the help of her co-workers.
Several lawyers were opposed to defending Hamdy, but Besma Innasri volunteered to defend her. On April 19, 2011, Hamdy was declared innocent during the first hearing session. Hamdy was acquitted of all charges after 111 days of imprisonment.

Personal life

Faida Hamdy is the daughter of Myriam and Taher Hamdy, a former policeman. Her brother, Faouzi Hamdi, is a teacher and a UGTT member.