Tunisia’s Court of Appeal in Tunis, through its criminal chamber specialized in terrorism-related cases, issued late Monday night into Tuesday a set of appeal verdicts in the case widely known in the media as “Conspiracy Against State Security 2.” The rulings ranged from 3 to 35 years in prison, according to a judicial source quoted by Tunis Afrique Presse .
According to the same source, the court sentenced Rached Ghannouchi to 20 years in prison, along with Kamel Bedoui, who received the same term. Both had previously been sentenced to 14 years at first instance. Rayen Hamzaoui was sentenced to 3 years (down from 12 initially), while Mehrez Zouari and Abdelkrim Abidi were each given 7 years (also reduced from 12 at first instance).
By contrast, the sentences of Fathi Beldi and Samir Hannachi were increased to 15 years in prison (from 12 initially). The court also ordered administrative supervision for five years after the completion (or expiration) of the prison sentence for each convicted person, except for Rayen Hamzaoui, whose supervision period was reduced to two years. The court also issued a ruling of “no case to answer” regarding Ridha Ayari, who was referred while remaining at liberty.
35-Year In-Absentia Sentences for Defendants on the Run
As for defendants referred in a state of flight—such as Moadh Kheriji, Nadia Akacha, Shahrazed Akacha, Kamel Guizani, Lotfi Zitoun, Maher Zid, Mustapha Khedher, Adel Daada, Rafik Bouchlaka, and Abdelkader Ben Farhat—the court handed down in-absentia sentences of 35 years in prison, with immediate enforcement, and ordered five years of administrative supervision.
Charges Linked to Terrorism and State Security
The defendants faced charges including forming an organization and criminal conspiracy linked to terrorist crimes, incitement—by any means—to commit murder, causing injuries, assault, and other forms of violence, as well as conspiracy aimed at attacking property and individuals and plotting against internal state security.
They were also accused of attempting to prepare actions intended to change the nature of the state, with intent accompanied by preparatory acts, and of using Tunisian territory and the territory of a foreign state to recruit and train individuals or groups to commit terrorist offenses inside Tunisia and abroad, according to an informed source.
Pending Cassation Appeals
Former Prime Minister Youssef Chahed filed a cassation appeal against the decision to refer him to the criminal chamber, meaning no ruling has been issued against him at this stage. His name was removed from the case file pending the outcome of the appeal. The same applies to Rafik Yahya.
It is worth noting that the investigating judge previously issued international arrest warrants against 12 fugitive suspects located abroad.
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