Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Tunisian opposition party criticizes ‘political verdict’ for imprisoned leader.

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The Ennahdha party in Tunisia has criticized the one-year prison sentence handed to its leader, Rached Ghannouchi, calling it an “unjust political verdict.” Ghannouchi, who is a leading opponent of President Kais Saied, was sentenced on terrorism-related charges after being accused of calling police officers “tyrants.” The case was one of several levied by authorities against Ghannouchi, whose party was the largest in parliament before Saied dissolved the chamber in July 2021. Ennahdha has condemned the sentence and called for Ghannouchi’s release, stating that he has always rejected extremism and terrorism and advocated moderation. The sentence further demonstrates the authorities’ use of the anti-terrorism law to discredit and eradicate opposition, according to Human Rights Watch’s Tunisia director. Ghannouchi is among more than 20 of Saied’s political opponents and personalities arrested since February.

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