Dozens of people sentenced to prison for treason in Tunisia
A court in Tunisia has sentenced more than 40 individuals to prison for conspiracy against state security. Among those convicted are former politicians, journalists, and the former head of the Central Bank, according to Bloomberg.
According to media reports, of the approximately 40 individuals, some are in custody, while others are on the run or have been tried in absentia. This is a result of the intensification of unprecedented repression against dissenters by President Kais Saied.
The decision, made late Friday evening, was based on charges related to conspiracy against the state's internal and external security, the creation of terrorist organizations and joining them, as well as attempts to substitute state institutions or incite residents to turn weapons against each other, among other terrorism-related charges.
The decision takes effect immediately for those tried in absentia, in exile, and those remaining in Tunisia. At least six of the convicted had been in pre-trial detention for a year, but even they were ordered to follow the trials online rather than attend in court.
A report by the TAP news agency, citing a representative of the anti-terrorism court, did not specify the exact sentences handed down to each of the accused. However, it is known that the group includes prominent politicians and businessmen, such as Ghazi Chaouachi (co-founder of the secular party Democratic Current), Abdelhamid al-Jelassi of the moderate Islamist party Ennahda, and businessman and lobbyist Kamal Eltaief.
Incident in Tunisia
Back in 2021, an unidentified individual in Tunisia attempted to storm and seize the Ministry of Interior building. However, during the pursuit, law enforcement officers shot at him.
