The CRLDHT, a Paris-based organization, has strongly condemned the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Riadh Ben Fadhel, a prominent figure in the Tunisian opposition. In a statement released on October 30, 2026, the committee described the sentence as "extremely harsh" and an act of repression against a democratic opposition figure. Ben Fadhel, the general coordinator of the Al-Qotb party and a former editor of the Arabic edition of Le Monde diplomatique, was arrested on November 14, 2023, upon his return to Tunisia from abroad.
Ben Fadhel's arrest was followed by a detention order on November 24, 2023, as part of an investigation into the acquisition of confiscated goods and allegations of money laundering. The CRLDHT has argued that Ben Fadhel was not evading justice, but rather returning to Tunisia when he was arrested. Since then, the case has been marked by a series of hearings, postponements, and rejected requests for release. The CRLDHT had previously denounced Ben Fadhel's prolonged detention as an anticipatory sentence.
The 20-year prison sentence has been condemned by the CRLDHT as "deeply unjust". According to Ben Fadhel's defense, the acquisitions in question were made through official auctions and tenders, with all relevant contracts and documents having been previously submitted during earlier investigations. The CRLDHT has called for an independent judiciary to review these documents and establish individual responsibilities based on precise evidence.
The CRLDHT has also highlighted that Ben Fadhel is facing a separate case, in which he was sentenced to four years and six months in prison on May 30, 2024, for customs and banking offenses. However, this sentence was annulled on appeal on April 22, 2025, after his financial situation was regularized. Despite this, Ben Fadhel remained detained in the case that was recently judged.
The Al-Qotb party, of which Ben Fadhel is a leading figure, has also condemned the sentence, stating that he is being punished for his positions and commitment to fighting authoritarianism. The party claims that the defense's arguments highlighted the lack of evidence justifying the sentence, as well as contradictions and irregularities in the investigation and trial.
The CRLDHT has expressed its full solidarity with Ben Fadhel, his family, and his colleagues in Al-Qotb, emphasizing that his peaceful political engagement and critical positions should not be criminalized. The committee views the sentence as part of a broader policy of intimidation aimed at breaking individuals and stifling organized dissent in Tunisia.
The CRLDHT has denounced what it sees as the instrumentalization of the judiciary, with the justice system being used to settle scores and stifle opposition under the guise of fighting corruption. The committee has called for Ben Fadhel's immediate release, the annulment of his sentence, and the release of all individuals imprisoned for their opinions or peaceful political engagement.
Key points
- The CRLDHT has condemned the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Riadh Ben Fadhel as "vengeance under the guise of justice".
- Ben Fadhel was arrested on November 14, 2023, and has been detained since then, with his case marked by multiple hearings and rejected requests for release.
- The CRLDHT has called for Ben Fadhel's immediate release and the annulment of his sentence, citing the need to protect human rights and prevent the instrumentalization of the judiciary.
