Tunisia is set to see the trial of prominent opposition figures accused of plotting against state security, which critics deem politically motivated. Approximately 40 defendants, many notable critics of President Kais Saied, face serious charges. Concerns have been raised about the fairness of the trial process and its implications for political freedoms.
TUNIS — The trial of several prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Critics and human rights organizations are denouncing the trial as unfair and politically motivated. Approximately 40 high-profile defendants, including former diplomats, politicians, and media figures, have been named in the case, many of whom have openly criticized President Kais Saied.
The defendants face serious charges, including plotting against state security and belonging to a terrorist group. Charges were brought after a series of arrests in February 2023, when Saied labeled the critics as “terrorists.” Notable figures among those charged include Jawhar Ben Mbarek, Abdelhamid Jelassi, and Issam Chebbi, all of whom have been vocal opponents of Saied’s administration.
Human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the deterioration of freedoms in Tunisia since Saied’s 2021 power consolidation. Activists Khayam Turki and Chaima Issa, as well as former parliament member Bochra Belhaj Hmida, are also among the accused. Additionally, well-known French intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy has been implicated due to alleged contacts with foreign diplomats.
Ben Mbarek has publicly stated that this case represents a systematic effort to eliminate dissenting voices and has condemned the judicial process as harassment. The defence committee has remarked that the charges lack credible evidence and are based on deceptive testimonies. Moreover, the decision to hold the trial remotely has drawn criticism for being inherently unfair, as the detained defendants will not be present.
Prominent members of the opposition, including Ahmed Nejib Chebbi and Riadh Chaibi, have denounced the secrecy surrounding the trial. Chaibi stated, “This is a case where the witnesses are secret, the evidence is secret, and they want the trial to be secret too.” Furthermore, lawyer Samir Dilou characterized the proceedings as “judicial madness” and detrimental to the notion of justice.
Public sentiment against the current government has intensified, with the father of Ben Mbarek expressing regret over his support for Saied in the past. While some defendants remain in custody, others have managed to flee or await trial in freedom. A broader wave of arrests has targeted various opponents of Saied, underscoring a pattern of repression.
In a separate but related case, Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to 22 years in prison for similar allegations. The United Nations has called upon the Tunisian government to halt the arbitrary detentions and violations against human rights defenders. Nevertheless, Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the UN’s recommendations as misguided and maintained that the accused were involved in criminal activities unrelated to their political beliefs.
In conclusion, Tunisia is facing increased political tension and allegations of human rights violations as a trial of prominent opposition figures approaches. Accused of conspiring against state security, the trial is criticized for being unfair and lacking transparency. Amidst the crackdown on dissent, significant concerns have been raised regarding the erosion of freedoms in the country following President Saied’s consolidation of power.
Original Source: jordantimes.com
