A Tunisian court specializing in terrorism cases has sentenced several political activists to prison terms ranging from 4 to 25 years. The sentences were handed down on October 27, 2026, by the criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance. The case involves leaked audio recordings and implicates several high-profile figures, including Mondher Ounissi, a senior official of the Ennahdha movement.
According to a judicial source cited by Diwan FM, Dr. Ounissi was sentenced to 9 years in prison, while journalist Zied El Heni received a 4-year sentence. The court convicted them on four counts under the law on combating terrorism and money laundering. The charges include forming a terrorist organization, disclosing secrets to such an organization, failing to report a terrorist crime, and contacting foreign agents to harm national interests.
The harshest sentence, 25 years in prison with immediate execution, was handed to Maher Zid, Chahrazed Akacha, Rafik Abdessalem, and several other defendants who are still at large. The case dates back to September 2023, when the public prosecutor's office at the Tunis Court of First Instance took up the matter. An investigation was launched into an audio recording attributed to Mondher Ounissi.
On September 5, 2023, the public prosecutor ordered Ounissi's detention as part of the investigation. Two days later, the prosecutor's office transferred the case to the Judicial Pole for Combating Terrorism, which conducted further investigations. After completing its probe, the case was sent to the Chamber of Accusation, which referred it to the specialized criminal chamber.
The defendants and their lawyers have characterized the trial as politically motivated. The case has sparked controversy and concern among human rights groups and the general public. Tunisia has a history of prosecuting political opponents and activists under terrorism-related laws.
The Ennahdha movement, a major player in Tunisian politics, has expressed concern over the sentences handed to its members. The movement's leadership has called for calm and urged supporters to respect the judicial process. However, many activists and sympathizers have taken to social media to express their outrage and solidarity with the convicted individuals.
The verdict has raised questions about the use of anti-terrorism laws to prosecute political opponents in Tunisia. Human rights organizations have long criticized the country's approach to counter-terrorism, arguing that it often leads to the suppression of dissent and the restriction of civil liberties. The case will likely be closely watched by international observers and human rights groups.
Key points
- A Tunisian court has sentenced several political activists to prison terms ranging from 4 to 25 years for involvement in leaked audio recordings.
- The case has been characterized as a politically motivated trial by the defendants and their lawyers.
- The verdict has raised concerns about the use of anti-terrorism laws to prosecute political opponents in Tunisia.
