The criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of Appeal has decided to postpone the examination of the so-called âplot against state security 2â case until the hearing on January 19. This decision comes as this case continues to attract strong media and political attention, given the profiles of those prosecuted and the heavy sentences already handed down at first instance.
As a reminder, the criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the court of first instance of Tunis had handed down, in this same case, sentences ranging from 12 to 14 years in prison against the accused prosecuted in a state of detention or at liberty. The defendants tried in absentia received sentences of up to 35 years’ imprisonment, particularly severe sanctions which reflect the seriousness of the facts upheld by the court.
Compliance with current procedures
The case includes leading political and institutional figures, including the former President of Parliament Rached Ghannouchi, the former head of government Youssef Chahed, the former director of the presidential cabinet Nadia Akacha, as well as political and security officials such as Habib Ellouze and Mouadh Ghannouchi, in addition to other defendants. The diversity of the profiles concerned reinforces the symbolic and political significance of this affair.
On a judicial level, the postponement of the appeal hearing is part of a series of postponements observed in recent months in several cases qualified as sensitive, often justified by procedural considerations, requests from the defense or the complexity of the cases.
The lawyers of the accused regularly denounce a lack of guarantees in terms of a fair trial, while the judicial authorities emphasize respect for the procedures in force and the independence of the courts.
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