A Tunisian court has postponed the trial of Mondher Al-Wanis, former deputy head of the Ennahda movement, and several others, including journalist Ziad Al-Hani, over alleged terrorist-related crimes. The trial, which was set to take place on September 25, 2026, at the Tunis Court of First Instance, has been adjourned to a later date. The case involves a leaked audio recording that has sparked controversy in Tunisia.
The case, known as the "audio recordings case," involves 12 defendants, 10 of whom are currently at large. Al-Wanis and Al-Hani were brought to the courtroom via video link from the civil prison in Marnaghia. The court had been scheduled to hear the case, which involves allegations of terrorist-related crimes linked to the content of the leaked audio recording.
The investigation into the case was conducted by the examining magistrate, who referred the case to the criminal chamber specialized in terrorism cases. The defendants face charges of committing crimes with a terrorist character, including conspiracy and incitement to violence. The case has garnered significant attention in Tunisia due to the high-profile nature of the defendants.
Among the defendants are several prominent figures, including Rafik Bouchlak, Ahmed Qaeloul, Moaz Al-Khriji, and blogger Maher Zaid. Others include Taher Boubheri, Rida Idris, and Mohamed Fathi Al-Ayadi. The defendants' lawyers have argued that the charges against their clients are unfounded and that the case is politically motivated.
The court has also decided to consider a request for the release of Al-Wanis, who has been in detention pending trial. The case has sparked concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Tunisia, with some critics arguing that the authorities are using the anti-terrorism laws to silence critics and opposition figures.
The Ennahda movement, a major player in Tunisian politics, has expressed concern over the case and the detention of its former deputy head. The movement's leaders have called for the release of Al-Wanis and the other defendants, arguing that the charges against them are unfounded and that the case is a plot to discredit the movement.
The trial's postponement has sparked uncertainty about the future of the case and the fate of the defendants. The court's decision to adjourn the trial has been seen as a setback for the prosecution, which had been seeking to bring the defendants to justice over the alleged crimes.
Key points
- The case involves a leaked audio recording that has sparked controversy in Tunisia.
- The defendants face charges of committing crimes with a terrorist character.
- The trial has been postponed to a later date, with the court to consider a request for the release of Al-Wanis.
