The Tunisian judiciary has issued a landmark ruling in the high-profile case dubbed the “conspiracy against the state,” sentencing multiple individuals to lengthy prison terms for their alleged roles in plotting against Tunisia’s security. The Tunis Court announced the verdicts late Friday evening, with punishments ranging from 4 to 66 years of imprisonment.
Among the most notable figures convicted is Bernard-Henri Lévy, commonly known as BHL, a polarizing French writer and businessman. Lévy was sentenced in absentia to 33 years in prison for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy. The heaviest sentence was handed to Tunisian businessman and lobbyist Kamel Eltaïef, who will serve 66 years behind bars.
In total, 37 defendants were found guilty in a case that has captivated the nation. The charges, as reported by the Tunisian Press Agency (TAP), include “conspiracy against state security, forming and belonging to a terrorist organization, actions aimed at changing the form of government or inciting citizens to kill each other, as well as causing unrest, murders, and looting linked to terrorist crimes, and harming food security and the environment.”
The trial has sparked widespread debate in Tunisia and beyond, with some viewing the verdicts as a necessary stand against threats to national stability, while others criticize the proceedings as politically motivated. Lévy, a prominent international figure known for his outspoken views, has yet to comment on the sentencing.
This ruling marks a significant moment in Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to address internal security challenges, as the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape. Further developments in the case are expected as appeals and international reactions unfold.
