A Tunisian court has sentenced prominent opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi to life in prison plus an additional 30 years on charges of forming a terrorist alliance. The Tunis Court of First Instance delivered the verdict on Tuesday against Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahdha party and former parliamentary speaker, and dozens of other defendants in the "secret apparatus" case.

This ruling marks a significant escalation in the legal battles facing Tunisia's main opposition bloc. The Ennahdha party, which has been a dominant force in Tunisian politics since the 2011 revolution, has faced increasing pressure and legal scrutiny under President Kais Saied's administration. The "secret apparatus" case is one of several legal proceedings targeting opposition figures.

Eleven other defendants, including Ali Laarayedh, an adviser to former Prime Minister Ali Laarayedh, also received life sentences along with lengthy prison terms up to 96 years. Thirteen additional defendants were sentenced to between 10 and 48 years in prison. All defendants were found guilty of forming a terrorist alliance and related crimes, such as placing skills at the disposal of a terrorist group and infiltrating state institutions.

The court also mandated five years of administrative monitoring for all convicted individuals. The case originated in early 2022 following complaints from the public prosecutor's office and lawyers representing the families of assassinated leftist politicians Chokri Belaid and Mohamed Brahmi, who were vocal critics of Ennahdha.

Lawyers for the families of Belaid and Brahmi accused Ennahdha's "secret apparatus" of involvement in the 2013 assassinations and of conducting espionage. Ennahdha has consistently denied these allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated. The case was initially handled by the Ariana Court of First Instance before being transferred to the judicial counterterrorism unit in 2023.

This is not the first legal setback for Ghannouchi. In April, he and three other Ennahdha leaders received 20-year sentences in the "Ramadan soirée case." He was arrested at his home in 2023 and initially imprisoned on charges of inciting chaos and disobedience. Concerns for his health have also been raised, with reports in April indicating a sharp deterioration and calls for his release from prison.

Tunisian authorities have denied accusations of political persecution, asserting that legal proceedings are based on evidence. However, human rights organizations and opposition groups have voiced concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the independence of the judiciary in Tunisia.

The long prison sentences and the nature of the charges underscore the deep political divisions in Tunisia and the ongoing power struggle between the presidency and the opposition. The implications of these verdicts for the future of Ennahdha and the broader Tunisian opposition remain significant, potentially reshaping the political landscape.