Tunisia’s political climate has become increasingly tense following the sentencing of Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the opposition Ennahdha party, to an additional 22 years in prison. This ruling has been condemned by Ennahdha as a significant infringement on judicial independence and a clear politicization of the legal system. The party’s statement described the legal proceedings as riddled with "innumerable violations," asserting that the trial against Ghannouchi was purely political in nature.
Ghannouchi, who is 83 years old, was arrested in April 2023 and initially sentenced to one year in prison on charges of incitement. In a subsequent ruling, he received a three-year sentence related to allegations that Ennahdha accepted foreign funding, which the party has vehemently denied. The recent court decision, which includes charges of "plotting against state security," adds to a growing list of legal troubles faced by Ghannouchi, who has been a prominent rival to President Kais Saied.
Ahmed Gaaloul, an advisor to Ghannouchi and a former minister, expressed concerns that even harsher sentences could be forthcoming as the political situation evolves. He characterized President Saied’s actions as a means to create a narrative of strength amid a severe economic crisis, suggesting that the government’s focus is more on maintaining control than on delivering justice.
Ennahdha has vowed to challenge these proceedings in international courts, citing a lack of a fair judicial process. Ghannouchi, currently imprisoned, has refused to appear before Tunisian judges, protesting against what he perceives as a lack of judicial independence.
The court’s recent actions extend beyond Ghannouchi, with several other opposition figures receiving significant prison sentences. Former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi was sentenced to 35 years, while Said Ferjani, a member of Ennahdha’s political executive, received 13 years. The court’s decisions have sparked outrage among opposition supporters, who view them as part of a broader crackdown on dissent under Saied’s government.
The political landscape in Tunisia has been increasingly polarized since Saied’s controversial power grab in 2021, when he suspended the parliament and later dissolved it, claiming it was necessary to restore order. Critics have warned that these actions risk pushing Tunisia back into authoritarianism, a sentiment echoed by the National Authority for the Prevention of Torture, which reported alarming increases in prison populations.
As the situation unfolds, many in Tunisia are left questioning the future of democracy and human rights in the country, with the opposition continuing to face significant challenges in their struggle against the current regime.