The fifth criminal chamber specializing in terrorism affairs to the Tunis court of first instance made yesterday, on Tuesday, July 8, its verdict in the file known as “conspiracy against state security”, involving 21 accused, including several political personalities.
From 12 to 14 years in prison for the accused detained
Among the accused present, eight were sentenced to sentences ranging from 12 to 14 years in prison. The former president of the Assembly of People’s Representatives and head of the Ennahdha Movement, Rached Ghannouchi, received 14 years in prison, just like Kamel Bedoui.
The other accused – Rayan Hamzaoui, Abdelkrim Laâbidi, Habib Ellouze, Fethi Beldi, Samir Hannachi and Mehrez Zouari – were each sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
35 years in prison in absentia for fugitives
As for the twelve accused on the run, they were sentenced in absentia to 35 years in prison with immediate execution. Among them are known names in the Tunisian political and administrative scene, such as Mouadh Ghannouchi, Nadia Akacha, ex-director of the presidential cabinet, Lotfi Zitoun, former minister, Maher Zid, former deputy, Mustapha Khedher, already involved in cases related to the secret security apparatus of Ennahdha, and Tasnim Ghannouchi Ghannouchi
No long and appeal
The court pronounced a dismissal in favor of Ridha Ayari. In addition, the file concerning Youssef Chahed, former head of government, and Rafik Yahia was withdrawn, the latter having arrested an appeal in cassation against the decision of the indictment.
Serious charges
All the condemned, whether present or on the run, were prosecuted for serious facts linked to terrorism, in particular: creation or belonging to a terrorist organization; Use of Tunisian territory for planning or the commission of terrorist acts; Recruitment and training of people for terrorists; disclosure or dissemination of information within the framework of a conspiracy against the interior security of the State
The court also ordered an administrative control of five years against all the convicts, a surveillance measure which will take effect after the execution of their sorrows.
Accused in detention:
- Rached Ghannouchi: 14 years old
- Kamel Bedoui: 14 years old
- Rayan Hamzaoui: 12 years old
- Abdelkrim Laâbidi: 12 years old
- Habib Ellouze: 12 years old
- Fethi Beldi: 12 years old
- Samir Hannachi: 12 years old
- Mehrez Zouari: 12 years old
Accused on the run:
- Mouadh Ghannouchi
- Nadia akacha
- Chahrazed Akacha
- Abdelkader Farhat
- Kamel Guizani
- Lotfi Zitoun
- Maher Zid
- Mustapha Khedher
- Adel Daâdaâ
- Rafik Abdessalem
- Tasnim Ghannouchi
