On the second anniversary of Rached Ghannouchi’s arrest, the International Committee for Solidarity with Rached Ghannouchi has reiterated its stance that the prominent Tunisian opposition leader is being unjustly detained. The committee, which was established last year to foster awareness about Ghannouchi’s situation, points to a series of inflated charges against him as indicative of a broader pattern of repression in Tunisia under President Kais Saied.
Ghannouchi, known as a leading figure in the Ennahdha party and a former speaker of Parliament, has faced numerous legal challenges, with over 15 cases filed against him that the international committee labels as “trumped-up.” According to their recent statement, these charges culminated in a notably severe 22-year prison sentence issued in February, linked to purported plots against state security—a claim the committee vehemently disputes. Earlier sentencing saw Ghannouchi receiving a three-year term for allegations surrounding foreign funding for his party. He was arrested in April 2023 and handed a one-year sentence for incitement.
As a vocal critic of President Saied—who was elected in 2019—Ghannouchi has emerged as the most prominent figure ensnared in a wave of governmental actions perceived as consolidating power. Critics contend that Saied’s regime has engaged in a systematic crackdown on dissent, suppressing organized opposition and restricting media freedom. The committee highlights that these legal measures appear designed to settle political scores, utilizing the judiciary for purposes beyond justice.
In recent days, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has echoed these sentiments, urging the Tunisian government to cease its repression against opposition figures and facilitate the release of all political detainees. HRW’s report raises grave concerns about the use of arbitrary detention as a means to silence dissenting voices, describing current political conditions in Tunisia as reminiscent of an era dominated by political prisoners.
Since the dissolution of Parliament in 2021, Saied has governed by decree, prompting opposition leaders to label his actions a coup. While Saied refutes these claims, asserting his intention to restore stability amidst political turmoil and endemic corruption, dissenters continue to express apprehensions about the erosion of democracy achieved during the 2011 Arab Spring. As Tunisia navigates this complex political landscape, the calls for justice and restoration of civil liberties grow louder.
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