TUNIS: An appeal trial for nearly 40 Tunisian public and opposition figures sentenced for plotting against the state was adjourned on Monday, after a hearing without main defendants in court.
In April, a Tunisian court gave custodial sentences of up to 74 years to the defendants on charges of “conspiracy against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group” in proceedings criticized by rights groups.
Among the defendants were Jawhar Ben Mbarek, co-founder of a leading opposition coalition, party leaders Issam Chebbi and Ghazi Chaouachi, and businessman Kamel Ltaief — all detained since February 2023.
At the opening of Monday’s hearing, defense lawyers refused to allow their clients to be heard virtually, demanding that they be brought to court instead. The hearing was later adjourned to November 27.
“The session lacked the most basic requirements of a fair trial,” said lawyer Samir Dilou. “We reject remote trial.”
