The Tunisian Muslim Brotherhood pays the price of years in power… Former Industry Minister imprisoned on corruption charges
After a decade of controlling the reins of the state, infiltrating various administrations, spreading terrorism and extremism, as well as involvement in corruption cases, the Tunisian Muslim Brotherhood is paying the price of its years of dominance. A investigating judge has decided to issue a detention warrant against Mohamed Lamine Chakhari, the former Minister of Industry in the previous Muslim Brotherhood government, on charges of “corruption in the steel factory”.
The issuance of the arrest warrant for the former Minister of Industry follows an investigation into suspicions of financial and administrative corruption, following the visit made by Qais Saied to the steel factory last December, where he then stated that the steel factory in the “Menzel Bourguiba” area (north) would not be privatized, as it is one of Tunisia’s assets and will remain state-owned.
During his visit to the steel factory and his meeting with several institution executives, Saied spoke about the disposal of many of the institution’s facilities for years and attempts to bankrupt and privatize them.
The Tunisian president pointed out “the significant corruption that the steel factory has experienced over the years”, indicating that “the committees formed to address the issue have not reached solutions because the intent and will were directed towards privatizing the institution”.
“There is an individual or group of individuals associated with foreign circles, seeking to bankrupt these institutions, which are the pride of the Tunisian people and their achievements,” he added.
Chakhari held the position of Minister of Industry in the Ennahda Movement government under the leadership of Hamadi Jebali from late 2011 until early 2013.
During his tenure, Chakhari authorized the recruitment of dozens of members of the Muslim Brotherhood who had been granted legislative amnesty and individuals with criminal records outside the framework of the law, despite the lack of any need for additional recruitment in the factory, resulting in its bankruptcy.
The trial of those involved in terrorism cases, political assassinations, financial and administrative corruption tops the list of demands of Tunisians since the start of the July 25th movement, along with their demand for the state to address economic and social issues.
