Tunis, Tunisia – Four individuals received death sentences while two others were handed life imprisonment for their involvement in the 2013 assassination of Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid, announced the deputy public prosecutor of the anti-terrorist judicial division on Wednesday. A total of 23 people were charged in connection with the murder of the leftist politician.
Aside from the severe sentences given to some defendants, others received varying prison terms ranging from two to 120 years, while five individuals were acquitted in relation to Belaid’s killing. Belaid, a vocal critic of the ruling Islamist party Ennahdha at the time, tragically lost his life on February 6, 2013, when he was gunned down in his car outside his residence.
Despite a de facto moratorium on capital punishment in Tunisia since 1991, the country continues to hand down death sentences, particularly in cases related to terrorism. The assassination of Belaid, known for his outspoken views against Ennahdha, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the nation.
Claiming responsibility for the killings of both Belaid and another opposition figure, Mohamed Brahmi, six months later, jihadists with ties to the Islamic State further exacerbated political tensions in Tunisia. In a separate incident, authorities reported in 2014 that Kamel Gadhgadhi, identified as the main perpetrator in Belaid’s case, had been killed during an anti-terrorist operation.
Belaid and Brahmi’s tragic deaths underscored the intense political divisions within Tunisia, especially concerning Ennahdha’s dominant role in the country’s post-revolution governance. However, in a surprising turn of events, President Kais Saied made a bold move in July 2021 by consolidating power, effectively curbing Ennahdha’s political influence.
The sentencing of those involved in Belaid’s assassination marks a significant moment in Tunisia’s ongoing struggle for political stability and justice. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the country in addressing extremism and maintaining democratic norms amidst a complex political landscape.