Sihem Ben Sedrine, former president of Tunisia's Truth and Dignity Instance (IVD), is set to appear before the specialized criminal chamber in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance on September 21, 2026. This new case revolves around an arbitral decision made by the IVD in favor of businessman Lazhar Sta, who passed away on September 8, 2026. Ben Sedrine disputes the charges against her, arguing that the IVD's decisions during her tenure adhered to the rules applicable to transitional justice.
The case concerns a specific arbitral decision made by the IVD in favor of Lazhar Sta, which is now at the center of the proceedings. Ben Sedrine claims that the decisions taken by the IVD during her mandate respected the applicable rules of transitional justice. She also denounces what she calls "judicial injustice," viewing this procedure as an attack on the transitional justice process. This appearance is part of a context marked by several judicial proceedings targeting Ben Sedrine.
This appearance is distinct from previous cases against Ben Sedrine, specifically concerning the arbitral decision in favor of Lazhar Sta. In June 2026, the specialized criminal chamber in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance had pronounced several convictions, totaling 25 years in prison, in cases related to the management of the IVD and the Franco-Tunisian Bank (BFT). These sentences included five years in a case related to alleged excesses linked to the BFT file.
The June convictions also included five years in another case concerning the management of the IVD and 15 years in a case involving falsification and use of false documents. Additionally, in the case related to the arbitration agreement concluded between the IVD and businessman Slim Chiboub, the Tunis Court of First Instance had imposed severe financial sanctions on Sihem Ben Sedrine, Khaled Krichi, Mabrouk Korchid, and Slim Chiboub.
Along with the prison sentences, they were also condemned to pay a fine of 1.776.170.000 dinars jointly. The new hearing on September 21 concerns a distinct case. Its progress and any potential decisions by the justice system may be subject to a future update. Ben Sedrine's case highlights the ongoing judicial proceedings against her.
The proceedings against Ben Sedrine and others linked to the IVD and BFT cases demonstrate the Tunisian justice system's efforts to address allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. The outcome of these cases may have implications for the country's transitional justice process and its efforts to promote accountability.
The case against Sihem Ben Sedrine will continue to be monitored, and any developments will be reported. The court's decision will likely have significant implications for Ben Sedrine and the broader transitional justice process in Tunisia.
Key points
- Sihem Ben Sedrine to face justice in a new case linked to Lazhar Sta
- The case concerns an arbitral decision made by the IVD in favor of Lazhar Sta
- Ben Sedrine disputes the charges, arguing that IVD decisions adhered to transitional justice rules
