Tunis, (TDI): A Tunisian court has sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to 12 years in prison, intensifying political tensions just days before the October 6 election.
This marks the third prison sentence for Zammel in two weeks, as he remains one of only two candidates allowed to run against President Kais Saied.
President Saied’s administration has faced criticism for allegedly using the judiciary to marginalize opponents.
Zammel, the head of the opposition Azimoun party, was convicted on charges of document falsification related to his candidacy paperwork.
His lawyer, Abdessattar Massoudi, condemned the verdict as “unfair and a farce,” asserting that the accusations are fabricated by Saied’s government.
Read More: Tunisian Ambassador Presents Credentials to Maldives’ President
Zammel has been in custody since last month but is still permitted to participate in the election.
The political climate has become increasingly fraught following the disqualification of three other high-profile opposition candidates by an electoral commission appointed by Saied.
The disqualification of three leaders resulted in into protests from opposition and civil society groups.
Also Read More: Tunisian Embassy hosted reception for International Olive Council Head
Since his election in 2019, Saied has progressively consolidated power, claiming that it is necessary to combat a corrupt elite.
Tunisia, once seen as a beacon of democratic progress following the 2011 Arab Spring, now faces significant challenges to its political integrity.
