Tunisia Issues Harsh Sentences in Political Conspiracy Case
Defense Demands Retrial Under Independent Judiciary Amid Accusations of Legal Violations and Political Targeting.
Watan-A Tunisian primary court has issued sentences ranging from 4 to 66 years against a group of 40 individuals, including politicians, human rights defenders, activists, and business figures, in a case alleging conspiracy against state security. Among those sentenced are 15 detainees, 22 individuals released but still charged, and 3 names that were unexpectedly removed from the list of the accused.
The defense team has strongly condemned the rulings, calling them unjust, politically motivated, and legally flawed, and is demanding a full retrial under an independent judiciary with international supervision.
Defense attorney Abdel Nasser Al-Mehri described the rulings as “invalid and biased,” arguing that they were issued by a compromised judicial panel that disregarded due process:
“These rulings have no connection to justice or legality. The court overstepped its authority, violating established legal norms. This entire case is fabricated.”
Calls Grow for Fair Retrial Amid Claims of Political Targeting in Tunisia
Al-Mehri also criticized the unusual removal of names from the list of the accused without proper legal procedure:“This sets a dangerous precedent in Tunisian legal history. The law requires formal appeals to the Court of Cassation—not unilateral deletions by a judge before a ruling is made.”
The defense is calling for a transparent, public retrial with the presence of international observers, diplomats, and media, asserting that justice should be administered openly and with full accountability.
Riyadh Al-Shuaibi, a member of the National Salvation Front and one of the accused, said:“This is a political case built on no real evidence. The verdicts are illegitimate and riddled with procedural violations.”
He continued:“The regime is trying to eliminate dissent by fabricating charges and handing down vindictive sentences. We reject these verdicts entirely and will coordinate with the defense to issue a legal response. Our fight against oppression in Tunisia will continue.”
