Tunisia: Confirmation of a 20-month prison sentence against Ayachi Zammel

The Criminal Chamber of the Jendouba Court of Appeal has upheld the initial verdict issued by the Jendouba Court of First Instance, sentencing presidential candidate Ayachi Zamal to one year and eight months in prison. Zammel was found guilty of fraudulent practices, including falsifying recommendations and unlawfully using personal data without authorization.
Abdesattar Al-Massoudi, the head of Zammel’s defense team, expressed his disappointment with the decision, criticizing the appeal court for proceeding without considering a formal request for postponement. The defense had sought additional time, which was also backed by the regional branch of Jendouba’s lawyers. However, the court reportedly moved forward without granting the delay or hearing testimony from the defendants.

This case has garnered attention not only for its political implications but also for the legal concerns it raises about due process. The defense team’s arguments focused on procedural violations, such as the absence of a proper hearing and the court’s refusal to entertain requests for additional time to prepare their case. These actions, according to Al-Massoudi, have cast a shadow over the fairness of the judicial process in this matter.

Ayachi Zemmal, a prominent figure in Tunisia’s political landscape, had been preparing for a presidential run, but this conviction may have serious consequences for his candidacy and political future. The charges of fraudulent recommendations and misuse of personal data are serious offenses under Tunisian law, especially in the context of elections, where the integrity of the process is paramount. If Zemmal’s legal team fails to overturn the ruling, it could lead to his disqualification from the upcoming election, further altering the political dynamics in Tunisia.

Note that the presidential elections would begin tonight abroad and continue for 3 days (October 4, 5 and 6), while the internal elections would take place on Sunday, October 6.

A total of 9,753,217 voters are registered on the rolls.