A Tunisian court sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh to 34 years in prison for a series of terrorism charges.
He is the president's latest high-profile critic, when campaigners slammed the “fake trial” in the country.
The 69-year-old is a prominent opponent of President Kais Saied and a leader of the popular Ennadha Party – the largest party in the parliament – promoted the Islamic ideal.
Laarayedh, along with seven other people, was accused of building terrorist cells and helping young Tunisians travel abroad to join Islamic fighters in Iraq and Syria.
According to AFP News, “I am not a criminal… In this case, I am a victim.”
He was sentenced Friday.
Laarayedh has been denied any misconduct and said the case was politically motivated.
At least 40 critics of the Tunisian president have been sent to prison in recent weeks – including diplomats, lawyers and journalists.
Rights groups said the trials underlined the dictatorial control of the judiciary after Saied dissolved the parliament in 2021 and ruled under the statute.
Since he was first elected six years ago, the former law professor has rewrited the Constitution to strengthen his power.
Laarayedh was arrested three years ago and campaigners called on him to release his Human Rights Watch, saying the incident seemed to be “an example of President Seyz's authorities trying to tear them up by silenced the leaders of the Nnahada party and other opponents”.
Ennahdha ruled the North African nation after a common uprising known as the Arab Spring.
The protest movement originated in Tunisia – a vegetable seller known as Mohamed Bouazizi burned himself amid desperate government corruption – and mass demonstrations soon spread throughout the region in 2011.
However, many Tunisians say that the democratic gains achieved since then have been lost, indicating the authoritarian power of the current president.
However, President Said rejected criticism from both inside and outside the country, saying he was fighting the “traitor” and was subject to “blatant foreign interference.”
More stories about Tunisia from the BBC:
go bbcafrica.com More news about the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @bbcafrica,on Facebook BBC Africa Or on Instagram bbcafraca
BBC Africa Podcast
