Tunisia has initiated a mass trial of around 40 opposition figures, including politicians and journalists critical of President Kaïs Saïed. Critics label the charges as politically motivated and abusive, with potential death penalties on the table. Human Rights Watch and UN officials have condemned the trial as unjust, highlighting concerns over Saïed’s authoritarian control over the judiciary and ongoing political persecutions.
On Tuesday, Tunisia commenced a mass trial involving approximately 40 prominent opposition figures, which has raised concerns surrounding political motivations, according to various lawyers, relatives, and rights organizations. The individuals being prosecuted include diplomats, politicians, lawyers, and journalists who have been critical of President Kaïs Saïed, facing serious charges such as “plotting against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group.”
Human Rights Watch condemned the proceedings as a “mockery of a trial” rooted in “abusive charges.” Furthermore, the United Nations has called on Tunisian authorities to cease all forms of persecution against political adversaries. In response, Tunisia’s foreign ministry expressed astonishment at the UN’s comments, asserting that the nation could provide lessons to those deeming themselves qualified to make such statements.
The trial is seen as a reflection of President Saïed’s authoritarian grip on the judiciary since he dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree. During his six-year tenure, the former law professor has amended the constitution to expand his own powers. Notably, defense attorneys voiced concerns in court about their lack of access to the complete case file.
Among those on trial is Nadia Akacha, the former presidential chief of staff, and other notable figures like Abdelhamid Jelassi and Jaouhar Ben Mbarek, both of whom have been vocal critics of Saïed. Several defendants, including Akacha, are being tried in absentia after having fled Tunisia. Many individuals have been incarcerated for two years, with Saïed labeling them as “terrorists.”
The head of the Tunisian League for the Defence of Human Rights, Bassam Trifi, characterized this trial as “one of the darkest injustices in Tunisia’s history.” In response, demonstrators in Tunis have gathered outside the court to protest, brandishing banners that declare, “No to remote trials, No to a judiciary that does not guarantee rights, freedom for political detainees.”
The initiation of the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia has sparked significant controversy, raising concerns of political motivation and judicial integrity under President Kaïs Saïed’s rule. Human rights organizations and legal representatives have criticized the proceedings, deeming them unjust and indicative of authoritarian practices. As protests continue, the situation remains a focal point of national and international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
