Tunisian court sentences Riad Ben Fadhl to 20 years
18 other defendants received nine-year sentences in a corruption and money laundering case.
A specialized criminal court in Tunis sentenced Riad Ben Fadhl, coordinator for the Al Qotb party, to 20 years in prison on October 29, 2026. 18 other defendants in the same financial corruption and money laundering case received nine-year sentences. The charges relate to the management and acquisition of assets confiscated after the revolution.
The case dates back to November 2023, when Ben Fadhl was arrested upon returning to Tunis-Carthage airport. He had been detained since November 24, 2023, following a judicial order. The court rejected requests for his release on October 12, 2026, before issuing the sentence. Most of the 18 other defendants appeared in court as free individuals.
The Committee for the Respect of Liberties and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT) condemned the verdict as an act of repression and demanded Ben Fadhl's immediate release. The Al Qotb party stated Ben Fadhl is paying for his opposition to authoritarianism. Ben Fadhl's defense argued that acquisitions were made through official tenders and that evidence was insufficient.
Why it mattersRiad Ben Fadhl, a political figure and entrepreneur, received a lengthy prison sentence for corruption charges, impacting his freedom and political engagement.