Tunisia court upholds state security plot sentences
The Court of Cassation confirmed prison terms ranging from three to 35 years for 21 accused in a state security plot case.
Tunisia's Court of Cassation upheld all appeals against judgments in the "plot against state security 2" case on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The prison sentences, initially issued in February 2026 and ranging from three to 35 years, are now final. The Tunis Court of Appeal's criminal chamber, specializing in terrorism cases, had delivered its rulings on February 3, 2026.
Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahdha movement, and Kamel Bedoui received 20-year sentences, an increase from their first-instance judgments. Former security officials Mehrez Zouari and Abdelkrim Abidi were sentenced to seven years each, down from 12. Fathi Beldi and Samir Hannachi received 15 years apiece. Several defendants, including Nadia Akacha and Mouadh Ghannouchi, were sentenced to 35 years in absentia. Some sentences include five years of administrative surveillance post-release.
The case involves accusations of forming a group linked to terrorist offenses, inciting violence, and plotting against internal state security. Charges also included preparing to alter the state's form and recruiting for terrorist acts. The court also confirmed a two-year sentence for Abdelkrim Harouni in a separate corruption case, alongside sentences for businessman Mohamed Frikha and former oil company executives.
Why it mattersTunisian citizens face prison sentences for alleged plots against state security and corruption.