A Tunisian court sentenced Noureddine Bhiri, a prominent member of the opposition Ennahda party, to ten years in prison on Friday, according to Arab News.
The court found him guilty of charges that included attacking state security and inciting conflict among Tunisians.
The ruling has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and human rights advocates, who argue that it reflects the increasing repression of dissent in Tunisia.
Monia Bouali, Bhiri’s lawyer, criticized the trial as fundamentally flawed, alleging numerous legal violations throughout the proceedings.
Bouali stated the key piece of evidence, a Facebook post attributed to Bhiri, was proven to be fabricated based on the results of technical tests.
“The post that supposedly incited violence did not exist at all, highlighting the absurdity of the charges against him,” Bouali stated.
Bhiri, held in detention for 18 months, is one of numerous political opponents of President Kais Saied to face legal proceedings since the president’s controversial assumption of power in 2021.
Following his decision to suspend parliament and rule by decree, Saied has been criticized for undermining the democratic process in Tunisia.
This crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and activists raises concerns among human rights organizations.
In response to the sentencing, members of Ennahda and other opposition parties condemned the court’s decision, labeling it as an attempt to silence critics of the regime.
“This is a sad day for justice in Tunisia,” according to one party official. “We stand firm despite the intimidation and remain committed to pursuing democracy and the rule of law.”