Summary
Tunisian police arrested opposition leader Ayachi Hammami to enforce a five-year prison sentence after a court upheld convictions for conspiracy against state security. Many opposition figures have been charged with plotting against President Kais Saied, who has been cracking down on dissent. Rights groups criticized the trials as politically driven and unfair.
Key Facts
- Ayachi Hammami, a prominent opposition figure in Tunisia, was arrested at his home.
- Hammami faces a five-year prison sentence for conspiracy against state security.
- An appeals court confirmed jail terms for dozens of opposition leaders, business figures, and lawyers accused of plotting to overthrow President Kais Saied.
- Hammami, who has served as a minister, announced plans to start a hunger strike.
- The crackdown has affected around 40 people, including former officials and the ex-head of intelligence, Kamel Guizani.
- 20 accused have fled abroad; they were sentenced in their absence.
- President Saied denies interfering with the judiciary, although critics disagree.
- Human rights organizations, like Amnesty International, have called for sentences to be annulled, labeling the trials as unfair.
