Former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki has been sentenced in absentia to 22 years in prison on terrorism-related charges. This ruling, handed down by a Tunisian court on Friday, June 20, further intensifies fears of an escalating crackdown on opposition voices under the administration of President Kais Saied.

The criminal chamber specializing in terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance also issued the same sentence to four co-defendants: Marzouki’s former adviser, Imed Daimi; former head of the national bar association, Abderrazak Kilani; Adel Al-Majri; and Abdul Nasser Ayat Lyman. All five men were tried in absentia and are currently residing abroad.

While specific details of the terrorism charges have not been publicly disclosed, judicial sources indicate that the Tunis Court of Appeal had previously ordered their referral to the criminal chamber on terrorism-related offenses. The sentencing reportedly stems from a critical press conference held in Paris, where Marzouki, Daimi, and Kilani openly criticized Tunisian state institutions and the Judiciary.

Marzouki, who served as Tunisia’s third president from 2011 to 2014, has been living in exile in France. He has consistently accused President Saied of dismantling democratic institutions following his 2021 power grab, which involved dismissing parliament and initiating rule by decree.

In response to the latest verdict, Marzouki issued a scathing statement, denouncing the sentence as "surreal" and part of a "series of verdicts" targeting government critics, which he claims have drawn international ridicule. He further condemned Tunisia's Judiciary, labeling them "garbage judges," and declared that all decisions made under what he termed Saied’s illegitimate regime were "null and void." Marzouki asserted, "The coup against the constitution and the democratic institutions is invalid. Everything built on its judgments, laws, and policies is invalid."

Despite his exile, Marzouki warned those complicit in what he perceives as Saied's unconstitutional rule that they would eventually face justice. He declared, "Be assured that the one you dishonourably serve will be tried for high treason, and you will all face judgment. You will be the ones spending many years in prison." Marzouki expressed confidence that Tunisia would ultimately restore democracy, rebuild its institutions, and liberate its citizens from oppression, fear, and poverty, envisioning a future where Tunisia becomes "an independent state governed by law, with an independent judiciary and a people reconciled with themselves."

This latest ruling adds to Marzouki’s existing legal troubles. He had previously been sentenced in absentia to a total of 12 years in prison across two separate cases, one of which was for allegedly "provoking disorder."

In related news, Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu is currently facing treason and false information charges in the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, Dar es Salaam. Prosecutors have indicated that investigations into his case are nearing completion, with the court urging a swift conclusion to the process. The proceedings, initially restricted, have now been opened to the public, with judges emphasizing the importance of transparency.