Tunisia extends prison sentence of opposition leader by 22 Years, drawing sharp criticism

Tunisia’s main opposition leader, Rached Ghannouchi, co-founder of the Ennahdha party, had his prison sentence extended by 22 years on Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera.

In response, Ennahdha condemned the ruling, likening it to the era of former authoritarian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted in the 2011 uprising that ignited the Arab Spring.

“This sentencing is a blatant assault on judicial independence and impartiality, as well as a clear politicization of legal proceedings,” the party stated.

The 83-year-old Ghannouchi was arrested in April 2023 on incitement charges. Ennahdha was later accused of accepting foreign contributions—an allegation it denies—resulting in a $1.1 million fine. Ghannouchi latest charges, include “plotting against state security.”

The crackdown extended beyond Ghannouchi, with the court also issuing sentences against several Ennahdha members. Former Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi, who currently lives in exile, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

A former Tunisian minister and Ghannouchi advisor told Al Jazeera that harsher sentences for other opposition figures are likely in the coming weeks.

Ennahdha has vowed to continue challenging the rulings in international courts, calling them politically motivated.