Tunis, (EFE).- Political figures, activists, and relatives of defendants gathered outside a Tunis court on Friday to demand a public trial in the controversial “conspiracy against state security” case involving 40 individuals, including prominent opposition leaders.
The third hearing took place behind closed doors under heavy security, with no press access and no physical presence of the defendants, who were scheduled to appear via videoconference.
Ahmed Nejib Chebbi, head of the opposition coalition National Salvation Front (NFS), condemned the proceedings outside the courthouse.
“This trial is taking place in the shadows, without access for citizens, media, or international observers,” he said. “From the start, the judge banned public discussion of the case, proving this is an empty file.
The political authorities want to close the matter without witnesses. But this is only the first instance, the mobilization will continue,” he told reporters.
The National Union of Tunisian Journalists (SNJT) denounced the exclusion of the media as a “serious violation” of press freedom and the right to information.
In a statement, the SNJT said its vice president, Aida Henchiri, was barred from entering the court and from meeting with the prosecutor.
The union blamed the Ministry of Justice for what it called an “institutional setback” and vowed to continue fighting “unconstitutional and illegal” practices.
Defense lawyer Samir Dilou also criticized the opacity of the trial, highlighting that journalists and civil society representatives were denied access, except a reporter from a national newspaper.
Dilou added that the defense committee submitted documents proving that three defendants had appealed the indictment decision, including certification that the case remains under judicial review.
Attorney Dalila Ben Mbarek Msaddek, sister of detained activist Jawhar Ben Mbarek, decried the lack of fair trial guarantees.
“The hearing was entirely closed to the public. The Bar Association was present to demand the physician presence of the accused, as required by the Constitution and international treaties signed by Tunisia,” she told EFE.
Only two detainees, businessman Ridha Cherfedine, who reportedly suffered a health issue during the session, and Hattab Slama, appeared virtually, according to the defense team.
The remaining detainees refused to testify via video link, insisting on in-person appearances.
Msaddek also questioned the inclusion of non-political figures in the case, citing businessman Hattab Slama, accused solely for parking his car outside the home of another defendant.
Defense lawyers warned that the trial could face further delays but expressed concern that authorities may push for a swift verdict without proper oversight, amid mounting social tensions and increasing political isolation.
Many of the defendants, drawn from Tunisia’s political, economic, and media sectors, have been held in pretrial detention since Feb. 23, surpassing the 14-month legal limit. EFE
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