A trial involving about 40 opposition figures in Tunisia accused of national security offenses is set for Tuesday amidst accusations of political motivations. Prominent critics of President Kais Saied, including politicians and activists, face severe charges that could lead to heavy penalties. Human rights organizations and the UN express concern over the judiciary’s independence and the repression of dissent.
The trial of numerous prominent Tunisian opposition figures facing national security charges is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Rights organizations have criticized the proceedings as being politically motivated. Approximately 40 high-profile defendants, including former diplomats, politicians, and media representatives, are under scrutiny for alleged acts such as “plotting against the state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group,” which could potentially result in severe penalties, including the death penalty, as per legal experts.
The defendants consist of notable politicians such as Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Abdelhamid Jelassi, and Issam Chebbi, all of whom have been vocal opponents of President Kais Saied. Ben Mbarek, in a correspondence from incarceration, described the trial as a mechanism of “judicial harassment” aimed at silencing dissenting voices and asserted that the allegations are unfounded.
Additional individuals charged in the case include activists Khayam Turki and Chaima Issa, businessman Kamel Eltaief, and Bochra BelHajj Hmida, a former parliament member and human rights advocate currently residing in France. Some of these defendants have been detained since a series of arrests in February 2023, following Saied’s declaration of them as “terrorists,” while others are awaiting trial and some have sought refuge abroad, as indicated by their defense committee.
During a recent engagement in Tunis, President Saied addressed a woman requesting his intervention for her imprisoned sons, asserting he does “never intervene” in judicial processes. He emphasized this point in a video shared on the presidency’s official Facebook page. Other opponents of Saied have faced detention and charges in various contexts, particularly under a law targeting “false news.”
Previously, Rached Ghannouchi, an 83-year-old leader of the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for unrelated charges concerning state security. The United Nations has urged Tunisian authorities to eliminate the ongoing trend of arrests and unjust detentions involving rights defenders, journalists, and political activists. In response, Tunisia’s foreign ministry expressed disbelief at the UN’s remarks, labeling them as “inaccuracies” and suggesting Tunisia possesses insights to instruct others on such matters.
The upcoming trial of Tunisian opposition figures, viewed as politically charged, echoes a larger trend of governmental repression under President Saied. Noteworthy criticisms from both within and outside the nation highlight concerns over freedom and judicial independence. As Tunisia navigates this tumultuous political landscape, international responses to ongoing detentions and legal actions will be closely monitored.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
