Trial of Alleged Accomplice in 2023 Ghriba Synagogue Attack
A resident doctor in Djerba, presented as a friend of the perpetrator of the 2023 attack on the Ghriba synagogue, appeared before the specialized criminal chamber for terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance on Friday, February 13, 2026. She is being prosecuted in connection with the case related to the attack, which had a profound impact on public opinion in Tunisia and abroad.
Testimony of the Accused
At the stand, the defendant acknowledged having had a romantic relationship with the perpetrator of the attack, specifying that they communicated regularly by phone and via electronic applications. However, she categorically denied having been aware of his plans or adherence to an extremist ideology, claiming she never suspected he was preparing a terrorist act.
According to her statements, the man had mentioned his intention to leave his job and travel to the Levant. She claims, however, that she did not imagine he was planning to join the terrorist organization Daesh, nor did she perceive any signs of religious radicalization in him.
The defendant maintains that she was completely unaware of his criminal intentions and had not noticed any behavior that would have suggested he was planning to carry out an attack.
Charges Against the Defendant
The prosecution nonetheless accuses the defendant of several serious offenses, including:
- Membership in a terrorist organization in Tunisia and abroad
- Practicing and inciting takfir (the practice of declaring someone an apostate)
- Apologizing for a terrorist organization by any means
- Failure to report information related to terrorist crimes or their presumed preparation
Context of the Trial
The case is part of the judicial proceedings initiated following the 2023 Ghriba synagogue attack, one of the most serious terrorist acts committed in Tunisia in recent years, which sparked strong emotions both nationally and internationally.
The trial is expected to continue in order to examine all the elements of the case and determine the degree of responsibility of the defendant in this matter.
