Kathmandu— Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld the convictions of 40 opposition leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and human rights defenders in a mass trial. The court rejected their final appeal on Thursday, upholding prison sentences of up to 45 years for those accused of conspiring to overthrow President Kais Saied. Half of the convicted individuals had fled the country and were sentenced in absentia.

Convicted Figures

Among those sentenced are opposition party leaders such as Najib Chebbi, who received a 12-year sentence, and Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj, each receiving 20 years. Politician Noureddine Bhiri was also sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Criticism of Judicial Independence

Critics argue that the judiciary is not independent and acts under political pressure. Haifa Chebbi, a lawyer and Najib’s daughter, stated that her father and other defendants were “silenced” through a case designed to imprison opposition figures. She added that opponents entered prison by political decision and will leave when Saied falls.

Political Context

The case is seen as emblematic of Tunisia’s democratic backsliding since President Kais Saied took office in 2019. Saied has ruled largely by decree, dissolved the independent Supreme Judicial Council, and dismissed dozens of judges. His government has rejected accusations of political persecution.

The ruling marks a significant setback for Tunisia’s opposition figures and raises concerns about judicial independence under President Kais Saied's administration.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.