Tunisian Court Hands Down Verdicts in "El-Mnihla" Terrorism Case
The specialized criminal chamber for terrorism cases at the Tunis Court of Appeal delivered its verdicts late Thursday evening in the so-called "El-Mnihla" case. The sentences ranged from one year to 45 years in prison, accompanied by administrative surveillance for a period of six months to five years, as well as the confiscation of seized assets, according to a judicial source speaking to the Tunis Afrique Presse agency.
Case Details
The case involved 56 defendants, including 11 in detention and the rest on bail. During the initial phase of the investigation, 71 individuals had been implicated, with 14 still at large. The initial sentences handed down to them ranged from life imprisonment to 48 years in prison, accompanied by five years of administrative surveillance. These verdicts were not contested by the defendants or the public prosecutor.
Background
The case dates back to May 11, 2016, when units of the National Guard conducted a security operation in a house in the El-Mnihla region, in the Ariana governorate. Two dangerous terrorist elements who were being sought were neutralized, and several other suspects were arrested during successive searches and arrests.
Sentencing
The court's decision brings closure to a case that has been ongoing for several years. The sentences reflect the severity with which the Tunisian justice system is treating terrorism-related cases, with a focus on protecting national security and preventing future threats. The verdicts are also a testament to the cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in combating terrorism in Tunisia.
