Tunisian court hands Ennahda leader Ghannouchi life sentence
Ennahda movement leader Rached Ghannouchi was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Tunisian court on Tuesday over allegations that the Islamist movement maintained a clandestine security apparatus, marking the latest verdict against the veteran opposition figure who has been imprisoned since April 2023.
Rached Ghannouchi, the veteran Tunisian opposition leader and former parliament speaker, received a life sentence from a Tunisian court on Tuesday over allegations that the Ennahda movement operated a secret apparatus, according to the state news agency.
The ruling relates to accusations that the Islamist movement maintained a clandestine security structure during the country's democratic transition. The case is part of a broader investigation into Ennahda's activities that has seen dozens of party officials face prosecution.
Legal proceedings
Ghannouchi has been held in custody since April 2023 and has faced multiple legal proceedings during his detention. The veteran politician served as parliament speaker following the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
Advertisement
Authorities have accused the Ennahda movement of establishing parallel security structures during its time in government, allegations the party denies. The movement led coalition governments for much of the decade following the uprising.
Detention conditions
The verdict was issued by a specialized judicial chamber examining terrorism-related cases, the state news agency reported. Ghannouchi is currently held at the Al-Mornaguia prison outside the capital, where he has been detained since his arrest last spring.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.