Tunisian courts recently handed down harsh prison sentences to some 40 people, who were accused of conspiracy. Some were sentenced up to 60 years, on charges of conspiring against State security, links to terrorist groups, and inciting violence.

The trial, which started in the capital on March 4, excluded the public appearance of nine of the accused as they were too dangerous to be released.

Meanwhile, their lawyers demanded the right of their clients to appear before a judge, while several demonstrators expressed their rejection of the trial outside the court.

Saied shook Tunisian political life during his first term when he suspended parliament, amended the Constitution, and ordered the arrest of several of his opponents, including entrepreneurs and executives of his staunchest antagonist, the Islamist Ennahda Party.

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