Tunisia began a trial against 40 high-profile defendants on the charge of conspiring against state security.
The trial involves former diplomats, politicians, and journalist amid protests at the President’s use of the judiciary to silence dissidents.
Protests have erupted in Tunis calling the trial “fabricated” and denouncing the “authoritarian” rule of president Kais Saied.
The charges, described as cham by activists, include “plotting against the state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group”, which could entail hefty sentences and even capital punishment, according to lawyers.
The president has dismantled the parliament and concentrated all powers in his firm grip, after he sapped the democratic achievements of the Jasmine revolution, setting the country on an authoritarian course.
