Tunisia’s Saied Rejects Int’l Criticism Over Opposition Mass Trial

Tunisian President Kais Saied on Tuesday rejected international condemnation over a mass trial targeting opposition figures, calling remarks by foreign entities “unacceptable” and a “blatant interference in Tunisia’s internal affairs,” according to a statement posted on the presidency’s Facebook page.

Responding sarcastically to concerns over the lack of international observers in Tunisia, Saied suggested that his country could reciprocate by sending observers abroad and demanding foreign countries amend their legislation and judicial procedures.

“While some have expressed regret over the exclusion of international observers, Tunisia could also send observers to these parties, who have expressed their concerns… and also demand that they change their legislation and amend their procedures,” he said.

Harsh sentences for Tunisian opposition, lawyers, business figures

The backlash follows a recent court ruling in Tunisia in which around 40 individuals, including prominent opposition leaders, lawyers, and businesspeople, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years. The defendants were charged with “conspiring against state security” and “belonging to a terrorist group.”

Several individuals have been in detention for two years, while others were tried in absentia, including French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, who was sentenced to 33 years, according to defense lawyers.

Turk urged Tunisian authorities to refrain from using vague national security and counterterrorism laws to suppress political dissent and civic engagement.

The trial has drawn sharp criticism from the United Nations and several Western countries, including France and Germany. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk condemned the legal proceedings, citing violations of fair trial standards and raising concerns over apparent political motivations.

German Embassy barred from observing trial

Germany criticized Tunisia’s decision to exclude international observers from the final day of the mass trial, noting that even representatives from the German embassy in Tunis were denied access.

Since Saied’s consolidation of power in mid-2021, rights groups and political analysts have warned of increasing authoritarianism and a steady erosion of civil liberties in Tunisia.

The country, once hailed as the birthplace of the 2011 so-called “Arab Spring” uprisings, is facing growing concerns about its democratic trajectory under Saied’s leadership.