Tunisian court hands prison sentences of up to 66 years in mass trial of regime opponents

Tunisian courts have sentenced 40 individuals, including opposition politicians, businessmen, and lawyers, to lengthy prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years in a trial criticized as politically motivated. President Kais Saied, who secured a second term with near-universal support, has been accused of using the judiciary to silence dissent and consolidate power. The defendants, including prominent opposition figures like Ghazi Chaouachi and Khayam Turki, claim the case is fabricated to stifle political opposition and establish authoritarian rule. Many leading political figures are now behind bars, while others have fled abroad to escape what they describe as a growing crackdown on dissent.