Tunisian Court Orders Release of Two UTICA Executives Pending Verdict
The criminal chamber of the First‑Instance Court of Jendouba ordered on Wednesday evening the release of two members of the regional executive board of the Tunisian Union of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts (UTICA). The two officials had been detained in a case concerning state security, according to their legal counsel.
- Defendants: Fayçal Dabboussi and Islam Sehili
- Detention period: Since 8 February 2025
- Next hearing: Judgment scheduled for 25 February 2025
The information was provided by the defense team, Me Anis Ben Youssef and Me Lotfi Ayadi, members of the collective of defense appointed by the Tunisian Association of Prosecutors (TAP).
Background of the Case
Both executives were initially referred to an investigating judge on charges that included:
- Attempting to undermine the internal security of the State
- Seeking to alter the form of the State
- Inciting citizens to attack each other with weapons
- Forming a conspiracy to target persons and property
These accusations were based on several articles of the Tunisian Penal Code.
The investigating judge subsequently dismissed the charges and ordered their release. However, the public prosecutor appealed the decision, leading to the case being sent back to the criminal chamber under Article 68 of the Penal Code.
Judicial Developments
- 26 January 2025: The Court of Cassation overturned a prior ruling and referred the matter back to the criminal chamber.
- Wednesday (date unspecified): The criminal chamber granted provisional release to Dabboussi and Sehili while awaiting the final judgment slated for next week.
The release is temporary, pending the court’s decision on the merits of the case.
Keywords: UTICA, Tunisian Union of Industry Trade Handicrafts, Jendouba criminal chamber, state security case, Tunisian Penal Code, Court of Cassation, provisional release, Fayçal Dabboussi, Islam Sehili.
