The Tunis Court of Appeal begins this Tuesday the examination of the Instalingo case, one of the most sensitive legal cases in recent years, involving political, security figures and digital players. The first instance judgments – from 5 to 54 years in prison – will be re-evaluated before the criminal chamber.
Opening of the hearing and reminder of the file
The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of Appeal will hold its first hearing dedicated to the “Instalingo” case this Tuesday, December 2, according to a judicial source cited by the TAP agency. Forty-one defendants are concerned, including seventeen currently detained.
In February 2025, the Court of First Instance of Tunis handed down a very heavy judgment: sentences ranging from five to fifty-four years in prison, accompanied by fines, against all of the accused. The procedure is now subject to review on appeal, at the request of the parties.
Personalities and accusations at stake
The case involves a mosaic of actors: security officials, bloggers, journalists, businessmen and political leaders. Among the names cited are the president of Ennahdha, Rached Ghannouchi, the former head of government Hichem Mechichi, as well as the former chief of staff Nadia Akacha.
The main charges are based on very serious offenses under the penal code: conspiracy against state security, attempt to modify the organization of the state, offense against the head of state, based on articles 61, 62 bis and 67.
Origin of the file and evolution of the investigation
The company Instalingo, based in Kalâa Kebira (Sousse), operated in the production of digital content. Its headquarters was searched on September 10, 2021 after information linking it to alleged activities of undermining state security, money laundering and online defamation campaigns.
Initially investigated in Sousse, the case was transferred at the end of 2024 to the Judicial Anti-Terrorism Unit, by decision of the investigating judge, giving a new dimension to the case.
The list of defendants in the Instalingo case includes 41 people, and the penalties required against some defendants also include the confiscation of property, assets and assets for the benefit of the state fund.
Among the main accused are Hichem Mechichi, former head of government, sentenced in absentia to 34 years in prison and a fine of 80,000 dinars; Rached Ghannouchi, former president of Ennahdha and Parliament, sentenced to 22 years in prison and a fine of 80,000 dinars; Rafik Bouchlaka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, who received 34 years in prison (convicted in absentia), etc.
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