The Arab Council condemns the unjust verdict issued by the judiciary in Tunisia against the former Tunisian president and President of the Arab Council, Dr. Moncef Marzouki, sentencing him to eight years in prison with immediate execution.

The Council considers that this unjust ruling does not diminish the value and stature of President Marzouki, who is a constant fighter for freedom and democracy and enjoys the respect of all supporters of justice and truth. Instead, this ruling tarnishes the reputation of the Tunisian state and condemns the Tunisian regime for using the judiciary blatantly to seek revenge against President Marzouki and other political leaders who defend democracy and the rights of Tunisians.

The Arab Council holds President Kais Saied personally responsible for this absurd verdict. It also holds him accountable for the health and safety of the political prisoners unjustly detained for nearly a year in Tunisia, some of whom are currently on hunger strike in protest against the violation of their right to a fair trial.

The Council calls on all free Tunisians to unite their efforts to confront these authoritarian deviations and to restore the interrupted democratic transition process.

The Arab Council
Dr. Ayman Nour and Mrs. Tawakkol Karman