Verdict in the Death of Businessman Jilani Dabboussi
The criminal chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered its verdict on Tuesday in the case of the death of businessman Jilani Dabboussi, which occurred while he was in custody and was attributed to medical negligence.
Sentences handed down
| Accused | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Noureddine Bhiri – former Minister of Justice | 4 years of definitive imprisonment |
| Mondher Ounissi – Ennahdha leader | 4 years of definitive imprisonment |
| Former doctor of the civil prison of Mornaguia | 2 years of suspended imprisonment |
| Former Prosecutor General (now retired) | 2 years of suspended imprisonment |
Background of the case
- The investigation was launched after Justice Minister Leila Jaffel ordered a probe and referred the matter to the Prosecutor General at the Tunis Court of Appeal, invoking Article 23 of the Tunisian Code of Criminal Procedure to clarify the circumstances surrounding Dabboussi’s death.
- Following this instruction, the Prosecutor General requested the Public Prosecutor at the Tunis Court of First Instance to open a judicial inquiry.
Timeline of the investigation
-
10 January 2022 – A formal investigation was opened for serious offenses, including:
- Attempted pre‑meditated homicide
- Torture
- Maltreatment committed by a public official in the exercise of his duties
- Failure to perform a legal act
- Complicity
-
The inquiry targeted anyone who could have been involved in the businessman’s death, leading to the indictment of several high‑profile figures, among them the former Minister of Justice and other accused parties.
Significance
This judicial decision marks the conclusion of a highly sensitive dossier that sparked intense political and media controversy in Tunisia. The controversy stemmed from the circumstances of Dabboussi’s death and the prominent status of the individuals implicated.
Keywords: Jilani Dabboussi, Tunis court verdict, medical negligence, Noureddine Bhiri, Mondher Ounissi, Ennahdha, Tunisian justice system, political controversy, criminal investigation.
