On the Eve of the Verdict… Documents Reveal Tunisian Brotherhood’s Plot to Assassinate Kais Saied
On the eve of the verdict in the case of the Muslim Brotherhood’s conspiracy against the Tunisian state, security sources revealed documents that outline a plot to incite chaos.
Among the documents is a handwritten note by Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Brotherhood-affiliated Ennahdha Movement, stating: “This situation (the group’s declining influence) will persist as long as the president is alive.”
Observers believe the documents confirm that the movement has come to the realization that a return to power is impossible as long as President Kaïs Saïed remains in office.
Saïed had earlier responded to public pressure by reopening long-dormant judicial cases accusing Ennahdha of corruption, terrorism, the recruitment of youth to conflict zones in the Middle East, and the assassination of political opponents.
The documents also reveal that the group sought assistance from foreign entities to oust the president, including contacts with intelligence agencies and efforts to organize meetings with foreign ambassadors to politically isolate him.
The uncovered plans include:
- Establishing a shadow government,
- Mobilizing unemployed youth, women, and the elderly in poor neighborhoods,
- Forming a secret organization,
- And securing the financial and logistical resources necessary to execute the plan.
The documents also mention using religious rhetoric to incite revolt, raising arms against the state, and relying on extremist Salafists to help topple it.
Tunisian political analyst and activist Omar El Iferni stated that the timing of the leak was strategic, aiming to undermine the Brotherhood’s expected narrative, which claims the case lacks substantial evidence.
Experts predict that if a conviction is handed down, the authorities may dissolve the Ennahdha Movement and impose a formal ban on its activities.
El Iferni emphasized that “Dismantling Ennahdha has become essential for national security,” adding that the judiciary should
“impose the harshest penalties, especially on Ghannouchi.”
Ghannouchi is also facing other terrorism-related charges and has already been convicted in corruption cases.
Tunisian political activist Riadh Jrad, a known supporter of President Saïed, declared that “These documents and plans leave no doubt: the president’s accusations of betrayal are now judicially validated facts, not mere allegations as some have tried to suggest.”
Jrad confirmed the documents were seized from Ghannouchi’s home during his arrest, as well as from the headquarters of the movement.
The verdict, originally scheduled for last Tuesday, was postponed to the following Tuesday.
Case Background
On May 6, the trial of more than 20 individuals began, accused of “conspiring against state security,” including Ghannouchi and senior Ennahdha figures—political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Tunisia.
In June 2023, the judiciary’s counterterrorism division launched a second investigation into a similar conspiracy.
The criminal network also includes former Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, former National Security Chief Kamel El Ghaïzani, and the former Intelligence Director, along with Rached Ghannouchi and his son Moaz.
Tunisian authorities had previously announced the foiling of a Brotherhood-led coup attempt, which aimed to infiltrate the presidential palace with the help of Nadia Akacha, former chief of staff to President Saïed.
At the time, the Interior Ministry confirmed the existence of serious threats to the president’s life and safety, identified by multiple security services, and involving internal and external actors working to destabilize the nation.
