A trial for prominent Tunisian opposition figures starts Tuesday, amid accusations of unfairness and political bias. Approximately 40 defendants, including notable politicians and activists, face serious charges related to state security. The case reflects broader concerns over human rights and freedom of expression in Tunisia following President Kais Saied’s power consolidation.
Tunis — A trial involving prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of conspiring against state security is set to commence on Tuesday. Critics and human rights organizations have characterized the proceedings as politically motivated and unjust. The case includes approximately 40 high-profile defendants, such as politicians, lawyers, and media personnel, many of whom have been vocal opponents of President Kais Saied.
The accused face allegations of plotting against state security and affiliation with a terrorist organization, which may result in severe penalties. Notable figures in this case include Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Abdelhamid Jelassi from the Ennahdha party, and Issam Chebbi from the National Salvation Front — all credible adversaries of Saied.
President Saied, elected in 2019 during a democratic transition post-Arab Spring, executed a significant power consolidation in 2021, leading to numerous warnings from human rights groups regarding freedom restrictions. In addition to high-profile politicians, activists such as Khayam Turki, Chaima Issa, and French intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy are also implicated, primarily due to alleged foreign communication.
In a statement from prison, Ben Mbarek claimed the prosecutions seek a systematic eradication of dissenting voices, describing the actions as “judicial harassment.” Dalila Msaddek, a defense committee member, countered the charges as based on unreliable testimony. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the trial format, as it will occur without the presence of detained defendants, raising fairness and transparency doubts.
Family members of the accused and organizations advocating for human rights have condemned the trial process, with calls for transparency from defendants present. Critics emphasize that the evidence and testimonies remain undisclosed, describing this approach as lacking logical justification. Therefore, legal representatives argue that the situation represents a broader trend of unsubstantiated arrests of individuals within political spheres.
Ben Mbarek’s family expressed regret over their previous support for Saied, reflecting disappointment in his leadership. The persistent detentions of opposition figures, including the recent 22-year sentence of Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, demonstrate an escalated crackdown on dissent. The UN has urged Tunisian authorities to cease the pattern of arbitrary detentions affecting various political and civic stakeholders, which the Tunisian Foreign Ministry has refuted as mischaracterizations of their judicial actions.
The upcoming trial of multiple Tunisian opposition figures accused of conspiring against state security has drawn significant criticism for its perceived political motivations and lack of transparency. Notable defendants face serious charges, contributing to a wider narrative of diminishing civil liberties under President Kais Saied’s regime. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding freedom of expression and the treatment of political dissent in Tunisia.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
