Tunisia court upholds prison sentences of up to 45 years for opposition figures
Summary
Tunisia's highest court has confirmed prison sentences of up to 45 years for opposition leaders, lawyers, and businessmen accused of plotting against President Kais Saied. This ruling ends a three-year legal process and is seen by critics as a sign of increasing authoritarian control by Saied.Key Facts
- Tunisia’s Cassation Court upheld prison sentences ranging up to 45 years for opposition figures.
- About 40 people were charged with conspiracy to overthrow President Kais Saied.
- Twenty defendants fled abroad and were sentenced without being present.
- Opposition leaders sentenced include Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj.
- Lawyer Haifa Chebbi said the court’s decision shows the judiciary is not independent.
- President Saied claims the judiciary is independent and denies being a dictator.
- Saied took extra powers in 2021 by suspending parliament and controlling the courts.
- Rights groups report that Saied removed many judges and dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council.
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