Asharq Al-Awsat

An official Tunisian source revealed that anti-terrorism security forces have recently arrested five people accused of “belonging to a terrorist organization” who had previously been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 months to 5 years.

This came after a campaign of arrests that targeted dozens of people accused of terrorism, conspiracy against state security, political assassinations, and information and communication technology crimes.

The move also coincides with the resumption of the Tunisian court hearing of the case of the assassination of lawyer and leftist political activist Chokri Belaid on Feb. 6, 2013.

The General Administration of the National Guard recently announced the arrest of dozens of people accused of “belonging to a terrorist organization,” including women and youth from several parts of the country, including persons affiliated with “extremist Salafist groups” in different governorates. The courts had previously issued sentences against these individuals in absentia based on security reports and files that were available to the Public Prosecution.

At the same time, Tunisian courts issued prison sentences or search or summon notices against prominent public figures accused of involvement in “terrorism, corruption, and misconduct cases.” Central departments of Political Security, the National Guard, and the special police units also issued orders to interrogate other known figures.

These developments came a day after a meeting between Tunisian President Kais Saied with Minister of Justice, Judge Leila Jaffal, at the Carthage Palace.

A statement by the Presidency of the Republic stated that Saied ordered “the application of the law in an equal manner, and the necessity of resolving cases that have been postponed for years.”