Former Tunisian PM Larayedh sentenced to 24 years in prison in connection with Syria jihadist case

Former Tunisian prime minister Ali Larayedh on Friday received a 24-year prison sentence for his role in enabling the travel of Tunisian jihadists to Syria over the last ten years, according to state media reports.

The Islamist opposition party Ennahda claims that the case is driven by political motives and is part of a broader effort to suppress dissent after President Kais Saied took extensive powers in 2021, when he disbanded parliament and started governing by decree.

Larayedh held the position of prime minister from 2013 to 2014 during a challenging time that followed Tunisia’s 2011 revolution.

Larayedh, who has been in detention since 2022, stated in court during Thursday’s hearing, “I am innocent. I am experiencing injustice, abuse, and a lack of gratitude.” He has the option to challenge both the conviction and the sentence.

After the 2011 revolution, numerous Tunisians made their way to Syria, Iraq, and Libya to join or engage with Islamic State groups. 

Ennahda encountered significant criticism from its secular opponents for supposedly enabling their travel while in power, a claim it has consistently refuted.

The case concerning Larayedh involved seven additional defendants, including former officials from the Interior Ministry.

The TAP state news agency reported a judicial official stating that the sentences varied from three years to 24 years.