Rached Ghannouchi sentenced to 3 years in prison (French)

The Ennahdha movement considered the ruling issued against its president, Rached Ghannouchi, and former minister, Rafik Abdel Salam, as a “new grievance” added to the torrent of grievances faced by the movement and other democratic forces and struggling figures in Tunisia, as it put it.

Yesterday, Thursday, the Court of First Instance in Tunisia issued a three-year prison sentence against the head of the Ennahdha movement on charges that his party received funding from a foreign party. This is the second sentence issued against Ghannouchi, as on May 15, 2023, he was sentenced to one year in prison and a fine of one thousand dinars ($328) on charges of incitement in what was known as the “tyrants” file.

The movement expressed - in a statement - its rejection of the ruling, which it described as unjust, out of its confidence in the party’s innocence, its adherence to the law, the transparency of its dealings, and its keenness to behave well and respect procedures and laws, according to the statement.

The movement said that it has never received funding from any foreign party, and that its only account is under the supervision of all judicial and financial institutions, and is not subject to any suspicion. It added that there is no representation of the movement abroad.

It also affirmed its continued defense of itself and repel injustice against it and its leadership through a judicial and political path in which it upholds its right and the right of Tunisians to organize, participate politically, compete fairly, and peacefully transfer power.

The movement said that it will soon hold a press conference to enlighten public opinion, reveal the truth about the file and its background, and clarify its judicial and political position.

Ghannouchi denies accusations that his party received funding from a foreign party (French)

Defending Ghannouchi

For its part, the defense team handling the Ghannouchi case said that it adheres to its client’s innocence, based on what was attributed to him and its assertion that it was not proven at any stage of the case that he received, in his personal capacity or as a legal representative of the Ennahda Movement party, any foreign funding, and that he did not conclude any advertising or public relations contract. He did not appoint any party to do this on his behalf or on behalf of the party.

It also confirmed its intention to use all available legal means to clarify the truth and background of this file and to inform public opinion of the circumstances of the political exploitation that befell it.

For its part, the National Salvation Front said that it is following up on the judicial rulings against Ghannouchi in the absence of the most basic conditions for a fair trial, without defense pleadings, and without the presence of the person concerned. It demanded an end to this judicial targeting, the release of Ghannouchi, and an end to the injustices directed against him.

Since February 2023, Tunisia has witnessed an arrest campaign that included media figures, activists, judges, businessmen, and politicians, including Ghannouchi and a number of Ennahda leaders, including Ali Al-Arayedh, Nour Al-Din Al-Behairi, and Sayed Al-Ferjani.

Source: Agencies