Tunisian court hands hefty sentences to opposition figures, as President uses judiciary to silence dissent

A Tunisian court handed heavy sentences to a group of Tunisian opposition figures on the charge of conspiring against the state, as president Kais Saied tightens the grip while using the judiciary to silence dissidents.

The group of 40 individuals, including businessmen, lawyers received sentences ranging from 13 to 66 years in jail.

Several critics, including the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, have accused Saied’s government of using the judiciary to stifle dissent since 2021, when he dissolved parliament and expanded executive authority.

“The verdict is a travesty of justice and illustrates the authorities’ complete disregard for Tunisia’s international human rights obligations and the rule of law,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

“These individuals have been convicted solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. Their trial has been riddled with procedural violations and a blatant disregard of minimum defense rights and was based on unsubstantiated charges,” she said.

“The deterioration of judicial independence in Tunisia is deeply concerning and the executive authorities’ increasing abuse of the justice system and interference in the administration of justice fundamentally undermines the fair trial rights of defendants and the rule of law,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.