Trial of Tunisian Opposition Figures Raises Alarms Over Political Persecution
The trial of approximately 40 Tunisian opposition figures, accused of plotting against state security, is scheduled to begin. Critics argue it is politically driven and unfair, following extensive arrests after President Kais Saied labeled them “terrorists.” Prominent figures among the accused include Jawhar Ben Mbarek and several activists. Concerns are mounting over the fairness of the proceedings, with calls for open trials and transparency amidst ongoing arrests of dissidents.
In Tunisia, a significant trial involving several prominent opposition figures accused of plotting against state security is about to commence. This highly contested case includes around 40 notable defendants, comprising former diplomats, politicians, lawyers, and media personalities. Critics and human rights organizations have condemned the proceedings as politically motivated and unfair, particularly after many of these individuals were imprisoned in February 2023 following President Kais Saied’s designation of them as “terrorists.”
Among the accused are key figures such as politician Jawhar Ben Mbarek, former Ennahdha party member Abdelhamid Jelassi, and Issam Chebbi, one of the founders of the National Salvation Front (FSN), all of whom have frequently criticized President Saied. The charges against them include allegations of conspiring against state security and links to a terrorist organization, which could lead to severe penalties under Tunisian law.
Notable activists, including Khayam Turki, Chaima Issa, and Kamel Eltaief, are also implicated in the case. Additionally, Bochra Belhaj Hmida, a human rights activist currently residing in France, is accused alongside the French intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy. Authorities suspect various defendants of engaging with foreign diplomats, thus intensifying the controversy surrounding the trial.
Ben Mbarek has expressed in correspondence from prison that the legal proceedings represent a systematic effort to eliminate dissenting voices and constitute “judicial harassment.” His attorney asserts that the case is grounded in false testimonies, leading calls for the trial to be conducted openly rather than remotely, as currently planned by judicial authorities.
Family members of the detained, alongside human rights advocates, have criticized the decision to deny the presence of defendants in court, emphasizing that fairness necessitates their participation. Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, the FSN leader also named in the case, highlighted this as a fundamental condition of justice. Riadh Chaibi, a former Ennahdha official, characterized the case as lacking validity, noting the secrecy of witnesses and evidence.
Ezzeddine Hazgui, Ben Mbarek’s father, voiced his disillusionment with his support for Saied, reflecting a broader sentiment of betrayal among those who once championed the President. Despite some individuals remaining free or having fled, ongoing crackdowns on dissidents under various charges, including disseminating false information, remain a point of concern. Presently, several governmental critics have faced detention and sentencing, including Ennahdha leader Rached Ghannouchi, who was recently sentenced to 22 years in prison on separate charges.
The United Nations has recently urged Tunisian authorities to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary detentions affecting numerous human rights advocates, lawyers, and journalists. In response, Tunisia’s Foreign Ministry expressed disbelief regarding these assertions from the UN, claiming the cited cases involved public law crimes, distinct from political activities or the exercise of free expression. Tunisia’s administration asserted its competence to instruct others on governance matters.
The upcoming trial in Tunisia has raised significant international concern regarding human rights and the treatment of political dissenters. Critics argue that the case is a means to suppress opposition voices under the guise of legal action. As the trial unfolds, ongoing detentions and the overarching perception of political persecution remain critical issues, prompting calls for increased transparency and fairness in the judicial process.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
