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Tunisia’s Ben Ali Sentenced in Absentia; Saudi Arabia Refuses Tunisian Extradition Requests
July 6, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly 

On July 4, ex-Tunisian President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali was tried and convicted in absentia during a one-day trial. Ben Ali was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined $72,000 (USD) on charges related to trafficking drugs, weapons and archaeological artifacts. The presiding judge, Touhmi Hafi noted Ben Ali's absence for the record, saying: "The accused is not present and is a fugitive," Al Jazeera reported.

The July trial was Ben Ali’s second conviction in absentia since he fled to Saudi Arabia with his wife, Leila Trabelsi, in January 2011. Previously on June 20, Ben Ali and Trabelsi were sentenced to 35 years in prison and fined $65 million (USD) on corruption charges for embezzlement and misuse of public funds. The verdict focused on $27 million (USD) in jewels and public money reportedly found at one of his mansions.

According to the New York Times, in a statement issued by his lawyers on June 20, Ben Ali denied all the charges against him, saying that he was the victim of a political plot. Ben Ali also stated that he had “been tricked into leaving the country.” Tunisian authorities’ extradition requests for Ben Ali and his inner circle have been refused by Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Ben Ali and members of his inner circle face charges on allegations of murder and torture that have been referred to a Tunisian military court. Reuters reported that authorities say 91 more charges remain just for the civil courts.

Ben Ali’s 24-year rule over Tunisia ended in December 2010, after the self-immolation of a fruit vendor whose cart was illegally seized by police ignited popular discontent against the authoritarian government. The fiery suicide set off protests among Tunisians against government corruption, high unemployment and rising food prices that ultimately led to Ben Ali’s ouster.

For previous news on Tunisia, please see:
Former Tunisian President Faces 18 Charges

Sources:
Al-Jazeera – Ben Ali sentenced to 15 years in prison

Reuters – Tunisia's Ben Ali sentenced in absentia to 35 years in jail

New York Times – Ex-Tunisian President Found Guilty, in Absentia