Mass sentencing in Tunisia raises alarms over erosion of democracy

A Tunisian court has sentenced several high-profile political figures, including opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, to lengthy prison terms in a sweeping trial critics say reflects President Kais Saied’s growing authoritarian grip.

Ghannouchi, 84, head of the Ennahda party and former speaker of the dissolved parliament, received a 14-year sentence for allegedly conspiring against state security. He has been in detention since 2023 and now faces a combined total of 27 years from multiple convictions.

The court also sentenced 20 others, including ex-presidential chief of staff Nadia Akacha and former intelligence chief Kamel Guizani, both in exile, to 35 years. Eleven defendants were tried in absentia.

Since Saied dissolved parliament in 2021 and began ruling by decree, dozens of judges have been dismissed and key political opponents, journalists, and critics jailed. Rights groups accuse the president of weaponizing the judiciary to silence dissent and dismantle Tunisia’s democratic gains since the Arab Spring.

Saied denies the allegations, insisting his actions aim to root out corruption and restore order.