TUNIS — The appeal hearing of nearly 40 Tunisian public and opposition figures convicted of plotting against the state was postponed on Monday after none of the main defendants appeared in court. In April, a Tunisian court sentenced the group to prison terms of up to 74 years on charges of “conspiracy against state security” and membership in a terrorist organization”verdicts heavily criticized by human rights organizations as politically motivated.
Among those convicted are opposition leader Jawhar Ben Mbarek, co-founder of the National Salvation Front, party leaders Issam Chebbi and Ghazi Chaouachi, and businessman Kamel Ltaief. All have been detained since February 2023.
At Monday’s hearing, defense lawyers rejected the court’s plan to hold the session virtually and insisted their clients be physically present. The court later adjourned the trial to November 27. The hearing did not meet the basic standards of a fair trial,” said defense lawyer Samir Dilou, who condemned the remote proceeding as political. He added that the adjournment “suggests a rush to deliver a verdict. Bar Association president Boubaker Bethabet confirmed that the defense team requested the defendants’ appearance in person to present their case.
Also Read:
Gazans Start Restoration of Historic Fort Damaged During War
AlUla Launches Major Project to Document Ancient Inscriptions
