A Tunisian court has postponed the trial of Mondher Lounissi, a former Ennahdha leader, and journalist Zied El Heni in a case related to recordings. The trial, which was set to take place on September 25, has been put on hold until a later date. Lounissi and El Heni were present in court, while several other defendants are being pursued in absentia. The court also deferred a decision on Lounissi's request for release.
The case dates back to 2023, when a recording was leaked, allegedly implicating Lounissi and journalist Chahrazed Akacha. El Heni had investigated the recording and was initially called as a witness before being upgraded to suspect. The case has been transferred to a specialized terrorism chamber. Several individuals are implicated, including Rafik Abdessalem, Ahmed Gaaloul, and Mouadh El Khereiji.
The prosecution is based on terrorism-related charges, but these do not constitute a declaration of guilt. Lounissi's lawyer had requested his release, which was put on hold by the court. El Heni is currently detained on a separate conviction. The Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) had confirmed that he was due to appear in court on September 25.
The postponement prolongs a procedure that has been ongoing for several years. The case revolves around the origin, authenticity, and judicial exploitation of the recording. French journalist unions had recently called for El Heni's release, criticizing the charges against him. Their statements reflect their position and do not prejudge the Tunisian judicial process.
Several defendants in the case are being pursued in absentia, including Maher Zid, Taher Boubahri, Ridha Idriss, and Mohamed Fathi Ayadi. The specialized terrorism chamber will hear the case at a later date. Lounissi's detention has been a subject of controversy, with some calling for his release.
The "recordings" case has sparked significant attention in Tunisia, with many following the developments closely. The court's decision to postpone the trial has delayed a potential verdict. Lounissi and El Heni's lawyers had prepared for the trial, but will now have to wait for a new hearing date.
The case raises questions about freedom of speech and the press in Tunisia. Journalist unions and human rights organizations have expressed concerns about the prosecution of journalists and activists. The court's final decision will have implications for the defendants and the broader Tunisian society.
Key points
- The trial of Mondher Lounissi and Zied El Heni has been postponed until a later date.
- The case is related to a recording leaked in 2023, allegedly implicating Lounissi and journalist Chahrazed Akacha.
- The prosecution is based on terrorism-related charges, but these do not constitute a declaration of guilt.
