Tunisia has handed lengthy prison sentences to 21 political figures, including opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, in a sweeping crackdown that critics say threatens the country’s democratic legacy. Ghannouchi, head of the Ennahda Party and former speaker of the now-dissolved parliament, received 14 years for alleged links to terrorism—charges his lawyers dismiss as baseless and reliant on a discredited secret witness. Others sentenced include ex-ministers and even a former presidential aide. 11 of the 21 sentenced individuals are in exile, while the remaining 10, including Ghannouchi, are in custody. This marks another step in President Kais Saied’s authoritarian consolidation of power since 2021. Meanwhile, human rights groups warn that Tunisia’s democratic gains from the Arab Spring are eroding quickly, as Saied tightens his grip by using courts to silence dissent.
DW
