The trial of prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of national security offenses will begin soon, with around 40 defendants facing severe charges. Many of these individuals are critical of President Kais Saied’s government. Rights groups have condemned the trial as politically motivated, and some defendants have been detained or fled the country. The situation highlights tensions in Tunisia since Saied’s rise to power.
Tunisia is set to begin the trial of prominent opposition figures accused of national security offenses, with around 40 defendants, including politicians, lawyers, and media personalities. The charges against them include “plotting against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group,” which could lead to significant penalties, such as capital punishment. Many defendants are vocal critics of President Kais Saied, who has faced allegations of undermining freedoms since his power consolidation in 2021.
Among the charged individuals are notable opponents like Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Abdelhamid Jelassi, and Issam Chebbi, each associated with criticism of Saied’s regime. In correspondence from prison, Ben Mbarek described the trial as “judicial harassment” aimed at silencing dissent, claiming the allegations are unfounded. Others included in the proceedings are Khayam Turki, Chaima Issa, and Bochra BelHajj Hmida, a human rights advocate now residing in France, highlighting a broad crackdown on opposition.
Some defendants have been incarcerated since a wave of arrests in February 2023, which Saied labeled as anti-terrorism efforts. While some remain out on bail, a significant number have sought refuge abroad. During recent public appearances, Saied maintained a stance of non-interference in judicial matters, emphasizing to a mother worried about her imprisoned sons that he does not intervene in justice.
Critics of Saied have frequently faced charges unrelated to the current trial, including violations under laws addressing “false news.” In a separate instance, Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahdha party, was sentenced to 22 years for state security offenses. The UN condemned Tunisia’s actions against human rights advocates, prompting a swift rebuttal from the Tunisian foreign ministry, which dismissed the UN’s remarks as inaccurate.
The upcoming trial of Tunisian opposition figures highlights ongoing tensions between the government and dissenters. With serious charges against high-profile critics of President Saied, observers view this as a significant test of Tunisia’s democratic foundations. The international community closely monitors these developments, particularly with regards to human rights issues.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
