# Tunisian top court upholds opposition convictions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-state-security-conspiracy-legal-proceedings
> Updated: 2026-09-02T16:12:08.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

The Tunisian political landscape remains defined by legal battles surrounding a “conspiracy against state security” case involving approximately forty individuals, including opposition figures, lawyers, and businessmen. These individuals were arrested in February 2023 following crackdowns on critics of President Kais Saied.

In September 2026, the Court of Cassation rejected final appeals, upholding prison sentences for those accused of conspiring to overthrow the president. Sentences include 12 years for National Salvation Front leader Najib Chebbi, 10 years for Noureddine Bhiri, and 20 years each for Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj. 

Defense lawyers and families have criticized the proceedings, alleging the judiciary lacks independence and noting that the final hearing was scheduled with insufficient notice. The National Salvation Front, which has several imprisoned members including Ahmed Najib Chabi and Reda Belhaj, has demanded the release of all political detainees and an end to using the judiciary to manage political conflicts. 

While critics view these legal actions as a sign of democratic backsliding and a consolidation of absolute rule following Saied’s 2021 exceptional measures, the Tunisian government denies accusations of political persecution, maintaining that the defendants sought to destabilize the state.

## Claims

- The Court of Cassation rejected the final appeals in a mass trial involving dozens of opposition figures and activists. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The ruling upholds prison sentences for the defendants, with the maximum sentence reaching 45 years. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The defendants were accused of conspiring to overthrow President Kais Saied. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The ruling concludes three years of legal proceedings involving approximately 40 individuals. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- National Salvation Front leader Najib Chebbi was sentenced to 12 years in prison. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Opposition figures Ghazi Chaouachi, Issam Chebbi, Jawhar Ben Mbarek, and Ridha Belhaj were each sentenced to 20 years. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Defense lawyers claimed they were only notified of the hearing on Monday for a Thursday proceeding, leaving insufficient time for preparation. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Tunisian government has rejected allegations that the legal proceedings constitute political persecution. (corroborated by 9 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Tunisia’s top court upholds convictions of opposition figures

Tunisia’s top court has upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years for dozens of opposition figures and activists accused of conspiring to overthrow President Kais Saied.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisias-court-of-cassation-hears-appeals-in-state-security-conspiracy-case

### 2026-09-02: National Salvation Front demands reversal of Tunisian state security convictions

Tunisia's National Salvation Front is demanding the reversal of prison sentences in a state security conspiracy case, citing concerns over urgent court scheduling and fair trial guarantees.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-salvation-front-demands-reversal-of-tunisian-state-security-convictions

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Cite as: Tunisian top court upholds opposition convictions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tunisian-state-security-conspiracy-legal-proceedings