Tunisia's Court of Cassation on Thursday finalized the conviction of dozens of opposition figures, upholding prison sentences that reach up to 45 years. The ruling marks the conclusion of three years of legal proceedings against 40 individuals, including prominent opposition party leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and human rights advocates, who were accused of conspiring to overthrow President Kais Saied.

This mass trial and the court's decision come amid growing international concern over Tunisia's democratic trajectory. Critics and human rights organizations have repeatedly voiced fears that the judiciary is increasingly operating under political pressure, particularly following President Saied's consolidation of power since his election in 2019.

Among the prominent figures whose appeals were rejected are National Salvation Front leader Najib Chebbi, sentenced to 12 years, and opposition figures Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj, each receiving 20-year sentences. Politician Noureddine Bhiri was sentenced to 10 years. Half of the convicted individuals had already fled the country and were sentenced in absentia.

The ruling is seen by many as a significant blow to political dissent in Tunisia. The finality of the court's decision suggests that the legal avenues for these opposition figures are now exhausted, potentially shifting the struggle to a more overtly political arena.

Haifa Chebbi, a lawyer and daughter of Najib Chebbi, stated that the ruling "confirms that the judiciary is not independent." She further asserted that her father and other defendants were "silenced" through a case engineered to neutralize opposition voices and added that "Opponents entered prison by political decision and will leave when Saied falls."

Legal representatives for the accused reported being notified of the final hearing only three days prior, citing insufficient time to adequately prepare a defense. Dalila Msaddek, whose brother Jawhar Ben Mbarek was among those convicted, expressed on social media that "the legal battle is now over … what begins is a purely political battle."

The case has become a focal point for discussions about Tunisia's democratic backsliding. Since 2019, President Saied has largely governed by decree, dissolved the Supreme Judicial Council, and dismissed numerous judges, actions that critics argue have undermined judicial independence and civil liberties.

The Tunisian government has consistently rejected accusations of political persecution. The justice minister has stated that the defendants aimed to destabilize the nation, while President Saied himself has referred to the accused as "traitors and terrorists," warning judges against acquitting them.