Tunisia has jailed opposition leaders and a journalist amid a renewed crackdown on political dissent. Prominent figures, including Rached Ghannouchi, face significant sentences for state security violations, which critics argue are politically motivated. This marks a worrying trend towards authoritarianism under President Kais Saied, undermining the democratic gains of the 2011 revolution.
Tunisia has intensified its crackdown on political dissent, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for opposition politicians and a journalist. The convictions were based on charges related to undermining state security, following a court’s ruling that has been condemned by media unions and opposition parties. Among those sentenced is Rached Ghannouchi, a notable opposition leader, who now faces an additional 22 years in prison on similar charges.
Ghannouchi, co-founder of the Ennahda movement, has been imprisoned for almost two years, and boycotted his trial, which Ennahda claims is a politically motivated attack on basic human rights and the rule of law. The National Salvation Front, which includes Ennahda, criticized the sentences as indicative of an ongoing judicial crisis exacerbated by President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power.
Legal actions stem from a 2019 case involving a media company linked to Ennahda during that year’s elections, accusing key figures of serious crimes such as defamation and illegally accepting foreign funds. These legal moves have drawn condemnation from human rights groups, who view them as part of the repression of dissent under Saied’s regime, which has seen a marked return to authoritarianism.
The court also sentenced several Ennahda members in absentia, including former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, who received a 35-year sentence. Additionally, journalist Chadha Haj Mubarak was sentenced to five years, prompting her union to denounce the attack on press freedoms and calling for her release. Mubarak’s defense attorney argued that the charges against her were an affront to journalistic integrity.
Since President Kais Saied came to power in 2019, Tunisia has seen an increasing trend toward authoritarianism, raising concerns for the future of democracy in the country. Following the 2011 revolution that removed dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia was lauded for its democratic transition, receiving accolades for its constitution and political compromise, including a Nobel Peace Prize. However, Saied’s regime has systematically dismantled democratic institutions, created a repressive atmosphere for opponents, and curtailed press freedoms, leading to fears of reversing the hard-won gains of the past decade.
Tunisia’s recent prison sentences targeting opposition figures reflect a grave moment for democracy in the country. With a systematic crackdown on dissent, including allegations of politically motivated trials and extensive prison terms, there are mounting concerns over human rights violations under President Saied’s government. The situation underscores a shift back toward authoritarian governance, challenging the fledgling democratic principles the nation has strived for since its revolution.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
