A Tunisian court has issued lengthy prison sentences to several prominent opposition figures, accusing them of conspiring against state security in a move critics say is politically driven.
On Friday, opposition leaders Issam Chebbi and Jawhar Ben Mbarek—key figures in the National Salvation Front—were each sentenced to 18 years in prison. Lawyer Ridha Belhaj and activist Chaima Issa received the same sentence, their legal representatives confirmed. Businessman Kamel Eltaief received the most severe punishment: 66 years behind bars.
They are among 40 individuals currently facing prosecution on charges related to security and terrorism. The group includes well-known politicians, businesspeople, and journalists, raising widespread concerns over the nature of the accusations.
Observers and rights advocates argue that these charges are being used to suppress dissent and tighten President Kais Saied’s hold on power. Following his sweeping re-election in 2024—largely uncontested due to the imprisonment or disqualification of political challengers—Saied has continued to govern with near-total authority.
Since dissolving parliament in 2022, the president has ruled mostly by decree. His overhaul of Tunisia’s constitution in 2023 further expanded presidential powers, leading to growing alarm over the country’s democratic backsliding.