The prosecution at the Ben Arous Court of First Instance ordered the custody of Lassad Yacoubi, emblematic figure of the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT) and former secretary general of the Secondary Education Federation. He is targeted in a case linked to hoarding and speculation, after the discovery of around 13 tonnes of potatoes in a clandestine warehouse allegedly attributed to him, according to national radio.
A case that goes beyond a simple economic crime
According to initial information, the decision came following a control operation which led to the seizure of a large quantity of illegally stored potatoes. The authorities suspect an intention of speculation, in a national context marked by the fight against practices which fuel price increases and shortages.
A shock in the union landscape ?
The alleged involvement of a prominent union leader in a case of this type creates shock waves. Lassad Yacoubi, known for his firm positions and his social battles, today finds himself at the heart of an issue with strong political and moral sensitivity.
The UGTT, an organization with historic weight, is faced with a dilemma: defend one of its executives or preserve its image in the fight against any form of corruption or illegal enrichment.