Amnesty International condemns Tunisia’s mass sentences

Tunisia’s mass convictions in the “Conspiracy Case 2” trial mark another blow to civil liberties and judicial independence as the government continues to suppress peaceful dissent and weaponise the justice system against critics of President Kais Saied, as reported by Amnesty International on July 28th.

The trial, built on broad terrorism and national security accusations, concluded with 21 convictions out of 24 defendants. Sentences ranged from 12 to 35 years. Those convicted include senior members of the Ennahdha Party and former officials. Only one defendant was acquitted, while two await decisions on their indictments. Rached Ghannouchi, Ennahdha’s leader, received a 14-year sentence in absentia.

“This case illustrates how Tunisia’s criminal justice system is being misused to suppress peaceful dissent,” said Sara Hashash, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“The convictions in ‘Conspiracy Case 2’ are a grave injustice and a blatant assault on Tunisia’s human rights obligations. All individuals detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association, and political activity must be immediately released,” she added.

Authorities presented no independently verified material to support claims that opposition members conspired to overthrow the state. The trial relied heavily on anonymous testimony, intercepted communications, and documents lacking concrete proof of wrongdoing. Much of the evidence consisted of political commentary and private messages critical of Saied. All the while, mass protests against the government are becoming a regular occurrence on the streets of Tunis.

Due process violations undermined the trial’s credibility. Judges barred families, media, and monitors from courtrooms. Detainees appeared via video link, limiting access to their lawyers. Amnesty labelled the proceedings a “sham.”

The trial unfolded against a broader crackdown. Since Saied came to power in 2021, Tunisia has seen escalating attacks on rights and the dismantling of judicial safeguards. Amnesty urges the government to quash these convictions, restore the rule of law, and uphold international human rights obligations.

Amnesty International, Maghrebi.org