A Tunisian court has sentenced former Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri, a senior figure in the opposition Ennahda movement, to 20 years in prison over allegations related to the issuance of passports and citizenship documents to foreign nationals allegedly wanted in terrorism-related cases.
According to Tunisian state media, the case centres on accusations that fraudulent documents were issued during Bhiri’s tenure as justice minister in 2012. The court ruling marks another major development in a case that has drawn significant political attention in the country.
Bhiri and his legal team have denied all charges, insisting that the prosecution is politically motivated.
The former minister is already serving a separate 43-year sentence handed down last year in a case involving what authorities described as “conspiracy against state security.” That conviction was part of a broader series of prosecutions targeting opposition figures in Tunisia in recent years.
The latest ruling comes amid growing criticism from international human rights organisations, which have warned of an intensifying crackdown on dissent under President Kais Saied.
Since President Saied dissolved parliament and expanded his executive powers in 2021, dozens of politicians, journalists, lawyers and activists have been arrested or prosecuted, in what critics say reflects a shrinking space for political opposition and free expression.
Once widely regarded as the Arab Spring’s only democratic success story, Tunisia has in recent years faced mounting concerns over judicial independence and civil liberties, as opposition leaders continue to receive lengthy prison sentences in politically sensitive cases.
Boluwatife Enome
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