A Tunisian court on Thursday began hearing the final appeals of dozens of opposition figures convicted of plotting against the state, as supporters gathered outside the courthouse to protest the convictions and demand justice.
The proceedings involve prominent critics of President Kais Saied, who have challenged the charges against them and denounced the trial as politically motivated.
Speaking outside the courthouse, left-wing activist Ezzedine Hazgui described the proceedings as a defining moment for Tunisia.
“Today is the trial of Tunisia’s future. It is not the trial of my son, Jawher Ben Mbarek, or my daughter, Dalila Msaddek. It is the trial of Tunisia,” Hazgui said.
He praised his two children for opposing what he described as President Saied’s “coup d’état” and accused the authorities of pursuing a conspiracy against the country rather than merely targeting political opponents.
Last year, 34 defendants, many of them prominent critics of Saied, were handed prison sentences of up to 45 years during an appeal trial. Human rights organisations and lawyers representing the defendants condemned the verdicts.
Haifa Chebbi, a lawyer and daughter of veteran opposition figure Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, said she had little confidence in the judicial process.
“This case began in a strange way, on the basis of political directives and instructions from the Minister of Justice, and it will certainly end on political directives as well,” she said.
“We expect nothing from this justice system. We know that the judiciary is not independent. The only decision we are waiting for is the ruling on appeal.”
The case is part of a wider crackdown on opposition figures and critics since President Saied dramatically expanded his powers in 2021.
Saied suspended parliament and began ruling by decree, moves that critics and rights groups have described as a major setback for Tunisia’s democratic transition.
Rights organisations have since raised concerns over what they describe as the erosion of political freedoms, judicial independence and other civil liberties under Saied’s administration.
The final appeal hearing is being closely watched by opposition supporters and rights advocates, amid continuing concerns over the state of democracy and the rule of law in Tunisia.
