Tunisia’s Mass Prison Sentences Upheld in ‘Conspiracy Case’ Sparks Rights Alarm

In a landmark ruling, Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld the convictions and lengthy prison sentences against 34 defendants in a case widely condemned as politically motivated. The court’s decision confirms the original verdicts, which have drawn sharp criticism from international human rights groups. Yasmine Ahmed, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact, responded to the ruling, calling the outcome a “travesty of justice.” The case, known locally as the “conspiracy case,” involved charges that critics say were used to silence government opponents. All 34 individuals will remain in prison following the court’s final decision. Amnesty International has repeatedly called for the defendants’ release, arguing that the legal proceedings did not meet international fair trial standards. The upheld convictions mark the end of the legal road for the accused within Tunisia’s domestic court system.