A Tunisian court has sentenced several potential presidential candidates to prison and barred them from contesting in the upcoming October election. The court’s decision, announced on Monday, affects prominent politician Abdel Latif Mekki, activist Nizar Chaari, Judge Mourad Massoudi, and Adel Dou, all of whom were sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from running for office on charges of vote buying. Another court sentenced Abir Moussi, a key opposition figure, to two years in prison for insulting the election commission. Critics argue that these moves aim to exclude serious competitors to incumbent President Kais Saied, who submitted his candidacy on Monday. Opposition parties and human rights groups echo these sentiments, with many accusing Saied’s government of using arbitrary restrictions and intimidation to ensure his re-election. Saied, however, denies the allegations, stating he does not restrict rivals.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN