Tunisian Court Accuses Opposition Figures, Journalists, and Bernard-Henri Lévy of Conspiracy in 2024

A Tunisian court has accused several opposition figures, journalists, and French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy of 'conspiracy' in 2024. The accusations come amidst a deepening suppression on perceived political opponents and civil society in Tunisia, with critics accusing President Kais Saied of exploiting the judiciary ahead of the upcoming presidential elections later this year.

More than 30 Tunisian law professors have called for the release of several political opposition figures arrested last year, stating that the 14-month legal limit for pre-trial detention has passed. Around 40 critics of President Saied have been facing charges of 'conspiracy against the state' since a flurry of arrests in February 2023, with eight of them detained since then without trial.

The eight detainees include former Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party figure Abdelhamid Jelassi, co-founder of the left-wing National Salvation Front coalition Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and political activist Khayam Turki. The professors have accused the Tunisian authorities of putting the detainees in 'forced detention,' violating Tunisian law.

Amnesty International has called for the 'immediate and unconditional' release of the detainees. "The suppression on opponents has been criticized as an attempt by President Saied to exploit the judiciary ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in Tunisia later this year," the human rights organization stated.

The United Nations has also voiced alarm over the situation in Tunisia. "The UN has voiced alarm over the deepening suppression against perceived political opponents and civil society in Tunisia, including attacks on the independence of the judiciary," a UN spokesperson said.

Why this matters: The accusations of conspiracy against opposition figures, journalists, and a prominent French philosopher by a Tunisian court raise concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Tunisia. The suppression on critics ahead of the presidential elections has drawn international condemnation and calls for the release of those detained without trial.

The case has drawn attention to the ongoing political tensions in Tunisia and the challenges faced by the country's democratic institutions. As the presidential elections approach, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation and the treatment of opposition figures and critics of the government.

Key Takeaways

• Tunisian court accuses opposition, journalists, and philosopher of 'conspiracy'
• Over 30 law professors call for release of detained opposition figures
• Around 40 critics of President Saied face 'conspiracy against state' charges
• Amnesty, UN condemn suppression of opponents ahead of elections
• Case raises concerns about democracy and freedom of expression in Tunisia