Second Conspiracy Case: Ghannouchi Boycotts First Hearing

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The leader of Tunisia’s Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated Ennahda party, Rached Ghannouchi, refused to attend the first session of his remote trial in the so-called “Conspiracy Against State Security 2” case.

The court postponed the case to May 27 and denied a defense request for the release of the defendants.

Terrorism-related cases in Tunisia are often held remotely due to security concerns.

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Tunisian political analyst and law professor Ziad El-Kacemmi stated that since his arrest in April 2023, Ghannouchi had announced his refusal to attend court proceedings, claiming they were “politically motivated trials.”

El-Kacemmi believes Ghannouchi’s refusal reflects an awareness that he must eventually pay the price for his actions.

“He expected pressure from his foreign allies to secure his release, but was shocked when they abandoned him,” he said.

Ghannouchi’s boycott could lead to harsher sentencing, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

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First Session

Several defendants appeared at the hearing:

• Rayan Hamzaoui, former head of the dissolved municipal council of La Zahra,
• Abdelkarim Obeidi, former head of the Aircraft Protection Unit (sentenced to 26 years for aiding travel to conflict zones),
• Mehrez Zouari, former General Director of Intelligence at the Ministry of Interior,
• Samir Hnachi, retired military officer and former advisor to former Islamist Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali, considered a key member of Ennahda’s “secret apparatus.”

In contrast, Rached Ghannouchi, Ennahda leader, as well as Habib Ellouze (detained in multiple cases), and Fathi Belhedi (former top official in the border police, sentenced to 26 years), refused to attend.

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Case Background

The case dates back to June 2023, when Tunisia’s anti-terrorism judicial unit opened an investigation into a new conspiracy against state security.

This case involves several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, former national security director Kamel El-Kaïzani, the former intelligence chief, Rached Ghannouchi, and his son Moaz.

Previously, Tunisian authorities announced they had foiled a plan to overthrow the government, including attempts to infiltrate the presidential palace with the help of Nadia Akacha, who formerly headed President Saied’s cabinet.

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The Ministry of Interior at the time confirmed that reliable intelligence had uncovered serious threats to President Kais Saied’s physical safety, orchestrated by both internal and external actors seeking to create chaos and destabilize the country.

This new case continues the judicial process that began in February 2023 with the first “Conspiracy Against the State” case.

Authorities had arrested a number of Ennahda leaders and their allies — including judges and powerful businessmen — for allegedly plotting to overthrow the regime.

Investigations revealed that the group had positioned Khemaïs Turki, a well-known political figure, as a potential replacement for President Saied, confirming his key role in the conspiracy.

On April 19, Tunisian courts sentenced several Islamist leaders and political associates to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years for conspiring against the state.

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