Former Tunisian Prime Minister Sentenced to 34 Years, Denounces Charges as Politically Motivated
In a landmark judicial decision drawing sharp domestic and international attention, former Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has been handed a 34-year prison sentence after being found guilty on multiple charges, including those tied to terrorism. Chahed, however, has firmly rejected the charges, branding them as politically driven and part of a broader campaign to stifle opposition voices in the North African country.
The court ruling, issued by a Tunisian anti-terrorism tribunal, follows months of legal proceedings against Chahed, who served as Tunisia’s head of government from 2016 to 2020. According to official sources, the charges include allegations of funding terrorism, misuse of authority, and compromising national security — all of which the former prime minister has vigorously denied.
Speaking through his legal team, Chahed stated that the accusations are “baseless, politically charged, and intended to eliminate dissent,” asserting that he has been targeted for his criticism of the current administration. His lawyers have confirmed plans to appeal the verdict and are calling for international human rights observers to monitor the case.
This case adds to the growing concerns over Tunisia’s democratic backsliding in recent years. Since President Kais Saied’s 2021 suspension of parliament and consolidation of power, critics have accused the government of using the judiciary as a tool to silence political opponents. Several prominent political figures, activists, and former officials have faced charges ranging from corruption to terrorism, many under opaque legal circumstances.
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed alarm at what they describe as a pattern of politically motivated prosecutions in Tunisia. The European Union and the United Nations have also urged Tunisian authorities to uphold the principles of fair trial and judicial independence.
Youssef Chahed, once seen as a reformist leader who aimed to tackle corruption and stabilize Tunisia’s fragile economy, now finds himself at the center of one of the country’s most controversial legal cases. His sentencing marks a dramatic fall from grace and raises urgent questions about the future of political freedoms in Tunisia.
Observers say this verdict may have a chilling effect on dissent and further deepen the political divide in the country. As Tunisia prepares for upcoming legislative and presidential elections, the conviction of a former prime minister could significantly alter the political landscape.
With tensions escalating and the international spotlight growing, the case of Youssef Chahed underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in Tunisia and the increasingly authoritarian tone of its leadership. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether justice and rule of law can withstand the mounting pressure of political turmoil.
Source : Swifteradio.com
