Tunisia: Rached Ghannouchi sentenced to 3 years in prison in case related to donation of Gandhi Peace Prize

Tunisian judicial authorities have issued a final ruling sentencing Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahda Movement and former Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament, to three years in prison in a case related to his donation of the Gandhi Peace and Tolerance Prize, which he received in 2016, to the Tunisian Red Crescent.

The ruling is the latest in a series of legal cases involving Ghannouchi, who is already serving prison sentences in other cases as part of ongoing judicial proceedings involving several senior Ennahda figures.

Since President Kais Saied announced exceptional measures in July 2021, Tunisian authorities have launched numerous investigations and prosecutions involving prominent political figures, including leaders of the Ennahda Movement. These cases have included allegations related to financial offenses, national security, and terrorism.

Tunisian authorities maintain that the proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the law and under an independent judiciary.

Ennahda rejects the allegations against its leaders and argues that the prosecutions are politically motivated.

The court’s decision adds to the legal challenges facing Ghannouchi, one of Tunisia’s most prominent political figures since the country’s 2011 revolution.