Tunis – On Tuesday, a Tunis court sentenced two leaders of the Ennahda movement to prison in connection with the murder of businessman and former parliamentarian Jilani Dabboussi. This adds to the growing burden of the group’s legal record during its years in power.
Details of the rulings
The Criminal Chamber sentenced Noureddine Bhiri, a leader in the Ennahda Movement and former Minister of Justice, to four years in prison. The court also handed down a similar sentence to Monther Ounissi, the former acting head of the Ennahda Movement, in the case related to the death of Dabboussi. Additionally, the court sentenced a retired public prosecutor and a former doctor to two years’ suspended imprisonment at Mornaguia Civil Prison.
The charges against the defendants included premeditated murder. This followed more than three hours of questioning and arguments from the defense lawyers.
Background of the case
The investigation was opened in January 2022 following complaints from the Dabboussi family regarding the torture and ill-treatment their father suffered during the Ennahda movement’s rule. The abuses occurred particularly during the tenures of Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri and Mondher Ounissi. Dabboussi’s son confirmed that the case remained shelved throughout the years of Ennahda’s rule. This is why the family sought international recognition of the case after their father’s death.
Investigations continue
These rulings are the latest in a series of cases facing Ennahda leaders. Meanwhile, the Tunisian judiciary continues to pursue legal proceedings and investigations into abuses committed during the group’s rule, as part of efforts to strengthen justice and hold those responsible for past violations accountable.
