A mass trial for about 40 opposition figures started in Tunisia, criticized for being politically motivated. Defendants, including critics of President Kaïs Saïed, face serious charges, potentially leading to the death penalty. Human rights organizations denounce the trial as illegitimate, while public protests express opposition to the judicial proceedings.
A mass trial involving approximately 40 opposition figures commenced in Tunisia, attracting accusations of political motivation from legal representatives, families, and human rights organizations. Defendants include diplomats, politicians, and journalists critical of President Kaïs Saïed, facing severe charges like “plotting against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group.” Their potential penalties could include the death sentence.
Human Rights Watch has denounced the proceedings as a “mockery of a trial” based on dubious charges, while the UN has urged the Tunisian government to cease the persecution of political dissidents. In response, Tunisia’s foreign ministry expressed astonishment at the UN’s stance, labeling it as inaccurate and asserting that Tunisia has lessons to impart to critics.
This trial underscores President Saïed’s increasingly authoritarian grip on judicial power, especially after he dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree. Over his six-year tenure, he has revised the constitution to fortify his authority. Defence attorneys reported a lack of access to the comprehensive case files, with lawyer Abdelaziz Essid urging judges to end what he termed the “madness and absurdity” of the situation.
Notable defendants include former chief of staff Nadia Akacha and Abdelhamid Jelassi, ex-leader of the Ennahda opposition party, with some tried in absentia after fleeing Tunisia. Many have been in detention since their arrest two years prior, with President Saïed labeling them as “terrorists.” Bassam Trifi, leader of the Tunisian League for the Defence of Human Rights, described this event as “one of the darkest injustices in Tunisia’s history.”
Protests have erupted outside the courthouse in Tunis, where activists showcased banners denouncing remote trials and a judiciary that fails to uphold rights, demanding freedom for political detainees.
Additional reporting was contributed by Lipika Pelham.
The initiation of the mass trial against prominent opposition figures in Tunisia highlights serious concerns regarding political persecution under President Kaïs Saïed’s regime. Accusations of abusive charges, lack of due process, and a compromised judiciary raise critical issues about the state of democracy and human rights in Tunisia. Public outcry and international scrutiny underscore the need for accountability and transparency in the judicial process.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
