The trial of about 40 Tunisian opposition figures accused of plotting against state security begins amid claims of political motivations behind the charges. Prominent critics of President Kais Saied face serious allegations, while concerns about the trial’s fairness persist, as defendants will not be present in court. Activists and legal representatives argue that the proceedings lack transparency and justice.
The trial of numerous prominent Tunisian opposition figures is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, amid extensive criticism from human rights organizations and political opponents, who assert that the proceedings are politically motivated and unjust. Approximately 40 noteworthy defendants have been named, including former diplomats, politicians, lawyers, and media figures, many of whom have openly criticized President Kais Saied.
Following a wave of arrests in February 2023, when Saied labeled them “terrorists,” many of these individuals were detained. The charges they face include conspiring against state security and affiliation with a terrorist organization, as per their legal representatives. Among the accused are Jawhar Ben Mbarek and Abdelhamid Jelassi, notable figures in the opposition to Saied.
Saied, who was elected in 2019 after Tunisia emerged as the sole democracy from the Arab Spring, undertook a significant consolidation of power in 2021. Since then, various human rights groups have reported significant regressions in freedoms within the country. This case also includes individuals such as human rights activist Bochra Belhaj Hmida and intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy, who are suspected of having connections with foreign entities.
Ben Mbarek, addressing the public from prison, stated that this case represents an “methodical elimination of critical voices,” critiquing what he termed “judicial harassment.” He is among the founders of the opposition coalition, the National Salvation Front, which continues to oppose Saied’s administration. His sister, Dalila Msaddek, indicated that the charges lack legitimacy, citing reliance on false testimonies.
The defense committee has raised concerns regarding the decision to hold the trial remotely, excluding the detained defendants from the proceedings. Their family members and various rights organizations have expressed that such an arrangement undermines the fairness of the trial, underscoring that every defendant must have the opportunity to present their case before a judge. Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, another individual implicated in the case, emphasized the importance of transparency in ensuring a fair judicial process.
Former Ennahdha party official Riadh Chaibi articulated that the case lacks rational foundation. He stated, “This is a case where the witnesses are secret, the evidence is secret and they want the trial to be secret too,” calling attention to the levels of opacity surrounding the judicial process in Tunisia.
The upcoming trial of high-profile Tunisian opposition figures is viewed by many as a politically charged endeavor aimed at stifling dissent against President Kais Saied. With significant allegations surrounding the fairness and transparency of the judicial process, many citizens and rights organizations are advocating for justice and due process. The case raises critical questions about the current state of democracy and human rights in Tunisia.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
