Tunisian Opposition Leader Ahmed Najib Chebbi Arrested on Conspiracy Charges
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Tunisian police arrested Ahmed Najib Chebbi, leader of the National Salvation Front, on Thursday. Chebbi, a key figure in the political opposition, was detained in connection with a case involving an alleged conspiracy against the country’s security.
Haifa Shabi, Chebbi’s lawyer and daughter, reported that her father has been transferred to prison. She noted that while appeals are typically possible, they do not halt the execution of sentences in terrorism-related cases.
Tunisian security forces had been surrounding Chebbi’s residence since Tuesday in preparation for his arrest.
The 82-year-old Chebbi has been a prominent figure in the Tunisian political opposition for decades, dating back to the eras of Bourguiba and Ben Ali.
In a recent interview, Chebbi described the sentences issued against opposition members as “unfair and based on fabricated charges.” He stated that he would boycott his trial because “the judges are under the government’s command.”
In recent days, several other opposition figures have also been arrested, including lawyer Ayashi al-Hamami, sentenced to five years, and political activist Shima Issa, sentenced to 20 years.
Last week, the Court of Appeal upheld most of the sentences issued against dozens of politicians, activists, and businessmen who have been detained since February 2023. Some of these sentences extend up to 45 years in prison.
The Tunisian government accuses these individuals of attempting to overthrow the regime and dismantle state institutions. The opposition maintains that the cases are politically motivated and fabricated, and that the judiciary is acting under the government’s control.
