The fifth criminal chamber specializing in terrorism affairs with the Tunis court of first instance decided on Tuesday to postpone the examination of the so -called “conspiracy against state security” to May 27.
This decision was made at the end of an audience held by videoconference, during which the defense lawyers requested a postponement and presented requests for release for several accused. These requests were all rejected by the Court.
This file implies more than twenty people, including several leading figures from the Tunisian political scene. Among them are Rached Ghannouchi, president of the Ennahdha movement, Habib Ellouze, Kamel Bedoui, Rafik Abdessalam, as well as the former head of government, Youssef Chahed.
The defendants are prosecuted for serious charges, in particular the constitution of an organization aimed at conspicating against the interior security of the State, as well as the incentive to the commission of terrorist acts on Tunisian territory.
This highly anticipated trial arouses great attention both at national and international level, due to the profile of the accused and the political issues that he raises. The defense, which disputes the foundations of the accusation and denounces political motivations, continues to plead for the release of its customers, invoking the absence of tangible evidence and the irregularities of procedure.
The case is expected to experience a new turn at the hearing scheduled for May 27, during which the Court could rule on the backdrop of the file or examine new requests from the parties.
