Democracy News

Former Tunisian President Faces 18 Charges
April 14, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

On April 14, BBC News reported that Tunisian prosecutors are currently in the process of charging ousted former President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali with 18 different charges. According to an interview with Justice Minister Lazhar Karoui Chebbi, Ben Ali’s charges include murder, kidnapping and conspiring against the state. Chebbi also stated that a Tunisian delegation would be travelling to Interpol’s headquarters in France to help expedite a request to freeze Ben Ali’s assets. The Tunisian authorities have already detained 33 of Ben Ali’s relatives over allegations of misusing state resources.

According to Said Haddadi, a researcher from Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa program, the Tunisian authorities’ relentless efforts to bring Ben Ali to justice signifies that the new government is trying to prove its legitimacy to the people. Haddadi stated, “The new government probably wants to show the people that they are serious.”

The former autocrat fled to Saudi Arabia in January 2011, after he was forced out of office during unprecedented demonstrations. Tunisian judicial authorities are currently trying to have him expedited back to Tunisia to stand trial.

For previous news on Tunisia, please see:
Tunisian Interim Leader Granted Decree Powers

Sources:
BBC News - Tunisia's former President Ben Ali faces 18 charges

New York Times - Former Tunisian Leader Faces Legal Charges