A court in Tunisia has sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on charges of document falsification.
This marks Zammel’s second prison sentence within a week, just days before the upcoming presidential election in Tunisia, scheduled for October 6, 2024.
The verdict underscores growing tensions ahead of the election, as opposition and civil society groups express concerns over a potential rigged process aimed at maintaining President Kais Saied’s hold on power.
Last week, Zammel was handed a 20-month prison sentence for falsifying popular endorsements.
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“It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute,” Abdessattar Massoudi told Reuters on Wednesday, September 25.
Zammel was among only three admitted candidates competing for the position of President of Tunisia alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.
Political tensions in the North African country have risen ahead of the October 6 election since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month amid protests by opposition and civil society groups.
Source: The Star
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