Tunisia Sentences Opposition Leader Ghannouchi To Life Plus 30 Years In Terrorism Case

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

TUNIS (Worthy News) – A Tunisian court has sentenced opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi to life imprisonment plus 30 years on terrorism-related charges, in a case critics say reflects a broader crackdown on political opponents under President Kais Saied.

Eleven other defendants received life sentences and additional prison terms, while 13 others were handed sentences ranging from 10 to 48 years.

The Tunis Court of First Instance handed down the ruling Tuesday in the so-called “secret apparatus” case involving the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha movement, which dominated Tunisian politics for years following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.

Among those convicted was Ali Laarayedh, Tunisia’s former prime minister and a senior Ennahdha figure.

ENNAHDHA UNDER SCRUTINY

Authorities opened the case in 2022 after lawyers representing the families of slain politicians Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi accused Ennahdha’s alleged “secret apparatus” of infiltrating state institutions, spying on opponents, and maintaining links to extremist groups.

Prosecutors said the alleged Ennahdha-linked network operated outside official state structures. Ennahdha has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling the case politically motivated.

According to Tunisia’s official news agency, the court found Ghannouchi and the other defendants guilty of forming a terrorist alliance and providing support and resources to people linked to terrorism-related crimes.

The court also ordered five years of administrative monitoring for all convicted defendants following their release.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL CASES

The verdict adds to a growing list of legal cases against Ghannouchi, 84, the longtime Ennahdha leader and former speaker of parliament.

In April, he received a separate 20-year prison sentence in the so-called “Ramadan soirée” case, which centered on allegations that opposition figures conspired against state security at meetings held during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Following Tuesday’s ruling, the opposition National Salvation Front renewed calls for Ghannouchi’s release, citing concerns over his deteriorating health.

Ennahdha said earlier this year that Ghannouchi had been transferred from prison to hospital after suffering a sharp decline in his condition.

HEALTH AND RIGHTS CONCERNS

Rights advocates and opposition groups say the prosecution of Ghannouchi and other critics reflects a broader effort by Tunisian President Saied to silence dissent since he consolidated power in 2021.

Saied suspended parliament in July 2021, later dissolved the legislature, ruled by decree for an extended period, and oversaw constitutional changes that significantly expanded presidential powers.

His supporters say the measures were necessary to combat corruption, political paralysis, and economic decline.

Critics, however, argue that Tunisia’s democratic gains since the Arab Spring have been steadily eroded through the arrest and prosecution of opposition politicians, journalists, lawyers, and activists.

Tunisian authorities deny that detainees are being held because of their political views, insisting that the cases involve criminal offenses and national security concerns.

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