By RFIPalled on 24-08-2019Modified on 24-08-2019 at 04:50

One of the main presidential candidates of September 15 is under lock and key. Nabil Karoui businessman and media - he runs one of the main private channels of the country Nessma TV - was arrested this Friday, August 23 while he was away from the capital.

Under a procedure since 2016, the man had been charged in early summer for "money laundering" with his brother. But he had been left at liberty. Hence the amazement of his relatives. His lawyers denounce " a masquerade " and a procedure that violates both the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Tunisian Constitution.

When the businessman was charged, he was let loose. The only reservations put by the investigating judge concerned a travel ban and the freezing of his financial assets. On these last two points, his lawyers appealed.

And that is why the indictment chamber met on Friday. But against all odds, she issued a warrant of committal while she was not seized on this point.

The lawyers' appeal has somehow turned against their client. " A legal aberration " for Kamel Ben Messaoud, the president of the group defending Nabil Karoui. " The Indictment Chamber has exceeded its powers, " he says.

The defense of the candidate will therefore file an appeal in cassation without delay, as of Monday. She denounces a political arrest related to the popularity of their client.

There is no doubt that the decision was political, because such an aberration can not be committed by an impartial judge. It is a judge who serves the executive branch.

Me Kamel Ben Messaoud, lawyer of Nabil Karoui

24-08-2019 - By Marie-Pierre Olphand

Pending further developments, the candidature of Nabil Karoui remains valid, says the ISIE side, the Higher Elections. Valid as long as a court decision does not compromise it. The final list of candidates must be proclaimed on August 31st.

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