In Tunisia, the verdict in the conspiracy case against state security was announced on Saturday, April 19, following a highly contentious hearing on Friday. Of the 40 defendants, eight of whom are currently detained, the court issued sentences ranging from 4 to 66 years in prison. They were convicted under anti-terrorism laws for “conspiracy against state security” and “membership in a terrorist group,” though the trial itself was widely criticized as lacking substance.
The judgment was delivered without a proper trial, with only three turbulent hearings held. The defense team, comprising nearly 200 lawyers, repeatedly condemned the lack of fair trial guarantees. Most detained defendants refused to appear via videoconference, as required by the court for security reasons. Lawyers consistently highlighted an empty case file and procedural flaws.
These verdicts, though anticipated, are a significant blow to the opposition, which plans to appeal the ruling.
In total, 40 political figures, civil society members, businessmen, and former MPs—all opponents of President Kaïs Saïed—were sentenced on April 19 to prison terms ranging from 4 to 66 years.
By late morning, lawyers were still confirming individual sentences. However, it is known that businessman Kamel Eltaief received the heaviest sentence of 66 years. Politician Khayem Turki was sentenced to 48 years, and Nourredine Bhiri, a member of the Islamist Ennahda party, former Justice Minister, and MP, received 43 years.
Other sentences ranged from 33, 18, 13, and 10 to 4 years, with most defendants either still at large, in hiding, or abroad.
Writer and philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, named in the case, was sentenced to 33 years in prison.
