Summary
Tunisian police have arrested Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, a prominent opposition leader, amid a series of arrests of critics of President Kais Saied. Chebbi recently received a 12-year sentence for alleged crimes against the state, which human rights groups criticize as politically motivated. The crackdown has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about political freedoms in Tunisia.
Key Facts
- Ahmed Nejib Chebbi is a major opposition leader in Tunisia and was arrested by the police.
- He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for allegedly plotting against the state.
- Human rights groups label the trial and sentence as politically motivated and unfair.
- President Kais Saied's government has been criticized for limiting political freedoms since 2021.
- Various opposition figures have been arrested, with some receiving long sentences.
- The European Parliament and Amnesty International have condemned these actions and called for releasing political prisoners.
- President Saied dismissed international criticism as interference in Tunisia's affairs.
- The National Salvation Front, which Chebbi helped found, accused the government of targeting its opponents.
