TUNIS — May 17, 2024 —
Tunisian Court Sentences Opposition Figures to Lengthy Prison Terms
A Tunisian court has delivered lengthy prison sentences to several opposition figures, drawing condemnation from human rights groups. the defendants were convicted on charges related to national security. This controversial court decision, with sentences reaching up to 66 years, has raised significant questions about the state of judicial independence in Tunisia and its treatment of dissent. For more on this unfolding situation, stay tuned.
Tunisian Court Sentences Opposition Figures too Lengthy Prison Terms
A Tunisian court has sentenced multiple defendants, including prominent opposition figures, to lengthy jail terms for national security offenses. The sentences, which range up to 66 years, have drawn criticism from rights groups and sparked accusations of a politically motivated “masquerade” trial.
The Verdict and Charges
The defendants, numbering around 40, where found guilty of conspiracy against state security
and belonging to a terrorist group.
Sentences ranged from 13 to 66 years, according to an official from the anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office, who spoke to media outlets including Jahwara FM.
Did you know? Tunisia was the birthplace of the Arab Spring in 2011, a series of pro-democracy uprisings that spread across the Middle East and North Africa.
Key Figures and Their Sentences
- Issam Chebbi: Opposition national Salvation Front coalition, sentenced to 18 years.
- Jawhar Ben Mbarek: Opposition National Salvation Front coalition, sentenced to 18 years.
- Ridha Belhaj: Lawyer, sentenced to 18 years.
- Chaima Issa: Activist, sentenced to 18 years.
- Khayam Turki: Activist, sentenced to 48 years.
- Kamel Eltaief: Businessman, received the harshest penalty of 66 years.
These sentences were confirmed by defense lawyer Abdessatar Messaoudi, who spoke with AFP.
Reactions and Criticisms
Kamel Jendoubi, a rights advocate and former minister who was tried in absentia, condemned the proceedings as a judicial assassination.
He further stated:
This is not a judiciary ruling, but a political decree executed by judges under orders, by complicit prosecutors and by a justice minister who all serve a paranoid autocrat.
Kamel Jendoubi, Rights Advocate and Former Minister
Defense lawyers also criticized the trial, citing flagrant violations of judicial procedure
and noting that the accused were not heard.
Samia Abbou, one of the lawyers, described the trial as a masquerade.
Context: Saied’s Power Grab
Sence President Kais Saied’s power grab in the summer of 2021, which saw him assume total control, concerns have grown regarding the rollback of freedoms in Tunisia. Rights advocates and opposition figures have voiced strong objections.
Pro Tip: Understanding the political context is crucial. President Saied’s actions since 2021 have been viewed by many as an authoritarian shift, impacting the fairness and impartiality of the judicial system.
Trial Irregularities
Defense lawyers have repeatedly denounced the trial’s irregularities.On Friday evening, they protested after the judge began deliberations without hearing from either the prosecution or the defense. Media and foreign diplomats were barred from the proceedings, which began on March 4. Lawyers have also called for all defendants to appear in court, including at least six who have been on hunger strike.
Human Rights Watch and Analyst Commentary
Human rights Watch has stated that the trial is taking place in a context of repression, with President Saied weaponising the judicial system to target opponents and dissidents.
Analyst Hatem Natfi commented on X that any acquittal would have undermined the regime’s narrative since 2021, a narrative accepted by a large part of the population
due to restricted media coverage.
