Tunisia Sentences Ex-PM Larayedh to 34 Years Over Jihadist Travel Charges

A Tunisian court sentenced former Prime Minister Ali Larayedh, a senior opposition figure from the Ennahda party, to 34 years in prison for allegedly facilitating the departure of jihadists to Syria over the past decade. This verdict comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition figures, including the recent detention of lawyer Ahmed Souab and other opposition leaders, businessmen, and media figures on conspiracy charges. Human rights groups have condemned these actions as an escalation against dissent, while the government insists the judiciary acts independently. Ennahda and Larayedh deny the terrorism-related accusations, arguing the case is politically motivated following President Kais Saied's consolidation of power since 2021. Critics have long accused Ennahda of enabling jihadist travel during its time in government, an allegation the party rejects. Larayedh, detained since 2022, asserted in court that he opposes violence and terrorism.