Tunisia's Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party announced on Tuesday that its 84-year-old leader Rached Ghannouchi, along with several other party officials, has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment, on terrorism-related charges. The sentences were confirmed by Tunisian media and the party itself.
Details of the Sentences
According to reports, Ghannouchi received a 30-year prison sentence plus life imprisonment. The charges stem from allegations of establishing a 'secret security apparatus' to serve the party, which won the post-revolution elections in 2011. Retired military officer Kamel ben Bedoui was also handed a life sentence plus 32 years in prison. Former Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh, who has been detained since 2022, was sentenced to 42 years in prison. He was previously convicted in a separate case for allegedly facilitating the travel of jihadist fighters to Iraq and Syria.
Political Context
Tunisia was hailed as the Arab world's only democracy after the ouster of longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in 2011, which sparked the Arab Spring uprisings. However, since President Kais Saied came to power in 2019, local and international NGOs have reported a decline in rights and freedoms. Ghannouchi was serving as parliament speaker when Saied consolidated power in the summer of 2021. He was arrested in 2023 and has since received multiple sentences totaling over 40 years, including for 'conspiracy against state security,' prior to Tuesday's ruling.
Criticism and Reactions
Critics have alleged that the rulings against the opposition figure are politically motivated. Ennahdha stated on Tuesday that the ruling 'lacked the most basic conditions for justice.' The party, which played a significant role in Tunisian politics for years, condemned the sentences as unjust.
