In a significant political development, Tunisia's former Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh has been sentenced to 34 years in prison on multiple terrorism-related charges, marking a stark escalation in the crackdown on political dissent under President Kais Saied's administration.
Former Tunisian Prime Minister Sentenced to 34 Years for Terrorism
Former Tunisian Prime Minister Sentenced to 34 Years for Terrorism
A controversial ruling lands Ali Laarayedh behind bars amid ongoing political repression in Tunisia.
Laarayedh, a key figure in the Ennahda party, which is the largest in parliament promoting Islamist values, is among several high-profile critics recently jailed, raising alarms over the country's judicial independence. Following an intense court trial, the 69-year-old is accused, alongside seven others, of establishing a terrorist cell and facilitating the travel of young Tunisians to conflict zones, including Iraq and Syria.
Before the verdict, Laarayedh contested the charges vehemently, asserting he was a victim of political persecution rather than a criminal. “I am not a criminal... I am a victim in this case," he stated in a letter to the court's prosecutor last month.
The former leader's jailing comes amid a broader wave of arrests targeting critics of Saied's government—including lawyers, journalists, and diplomats—fueling allegations of "sham trials" and underscoring fears of Saied's tightening authoritarian grip. Since dissolving parliament in 2021 and ruling by decree, Saied has been accused of undermining Tunisia's fledgling democracy, which had appeared to flourish following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.
Campaigners and rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned Laarayedh’s detention as part of a systemic effort to marginalize Ennahda party leaders under the guise of combating terrorism. Meanwhile, President Saied firmly dismisses accusations of tyranny, framing his measures as necessary for national security against what he labels as "traitors" and foreign meddling.
Tunisian citizens are increasingly expressing discontent over the significant erosion of democracy, suggesting the progress made post-Arab Spring is waning under current governance.
For further updates on Tunisia and its political landscape, visit our dedicated news sections.
Follow us on our social media channels for real-time news coverage.
Before the verdict, Laarayedh contested the charges vehemently, asserting he was a victim of political persecution rather than a criminal. “I am not a criminal... I am a victim in this case," he stated in a letter to the court's prosecutor last month.
The former leader's jailing comes amid a broader wave of arrests targeting critics of Saied's government—including lawyers, journalists, and diplomats—fueling allegations of "sham trials" and underscoring fears of Saied's tightening authoritarian grip. Since dissolving parliament in 2021 and ruling by decree, Saied has been accused of undermining Tunisia's fledgling democracy, which had appeared to flourish following the 2011 Arab Spring uprising.
Campaigners and rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned Laarayedh’s detention as part of a systemic effort to marginalize Ennahda party leaders under the guise of combating terrorism. Meanwhile, President Saied firmly dismisses accusations of tyranny, framing his measures as necessary for national security against what he labels as "traitors" and foreign meddling.
Tunisian citizens are increasingly expressing discontent over the significant erosion of democracy, suggesting the progress made post-Arab Spring is waning under current governance.
For further updates on Tunisia and its political landscape, visit our dedicated news sections.
Follow us on our social media channels for real-time news coverage.
