A Tunisian court has sentenced Rached Ghannouchi, the longtime leader of the Ennahda party and former speaker of parliament, to 14 years in prison. The ruling comes amid ongoing crackdowns on opposition figures under President Kais Saied’s rule.

Ghannouchi, 86, was convicted along with several other Ennahda members on charges including conspiring against state security, inciting violence, and connections to terrorism. The court also issued arrest warrants for others tried in absentia, including Ghannouchi’s son and a former foreign minister.

Ennahda Denounces Trial As Politically Driven

Ennahda’s legal team condemned the verdict, describing the charges as fabricated and based on the testimony of an anonymous witness who “retracted most of his claims.” They argued that the proceedings lacked due process and were part of an orchestrated effort to dismantle the political opposition in Tunisia.

Ghannouchi has already served more than 20 years cumulatively in prison for other cases, including allegations of money laundering. He has refused to attend court sessions, denouncing them as politically manipulated.

The convictions reflect growing concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in Tunisia since President Saied seized broad powers in 2021, dissolved parliament, and began ruling by decree.

Repression Deepens In Post-Revolution Tunisia

Tunisia was once hailed as the only democratic success of the Arab Spring, but the country has seen a sharp turn toward authoritarianism in recent years. Dozens of opposition figures, journalists, and activists have been detained under sweeping security laws.

International human rights groups have called on Tunisian authorities to respect the rule of law and release political detainees, warning that the country risks losing its remaining democratic institutions.