A Tunisian court sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison on Wednesday, September 25, for falsifying documents, marking his second prison sentence within a week.
This sentencing occurs just days before the presidential election and underscores rising tensions, as opposition and civil society groups express fears of a rigged election designed to maintain President Kais Saied’s grip on power.
Last week, Zammel received a 20-month prison sentence for falsifying popular endorsements.
Zammel’s attorney, Abdessattar Massoudi, described the ruling as “another unjust decision and a farce aimed at weakening him in the electoral race,” vowing to defend Zammel’s rights until the last moment.
He is one of only three candidates running for the presidency, competing against incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.
Political tensions have escalated in Tunisia ahead of the October 6 election, particularly after an electoral commission appointed by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month, leading to protests from opposition and civil society groups.
