Tunisian Presidential Hopeful Abir Moussi Sentenced to Prison

Tunisia's potential presidential candidate Abir Moussi has been sentenced to two years in prison after criticizing the electoral process and presidential decrees. Despite the sentence, she plans to run in the upcoming October election. This marks another move in the alleged politically motivated crackdown on President Saied's critics.

Tunisia faces a new political twist as potential presidential candidate Abir Moussi has been sentenced to two years in prison. This development complicates the already fragile opposition against President Kais Saied, who is seeking a new term.

Abir Moussi, a prominent lawyer and head of the right-wing Free Destourian Party, was arrested in October following her criticisms of the electoral process and presidential decrees. She accused them of lacking transparency. Upon a complaint by the election authority, she was found guilty of violating an anti-fake news decree, which targets the spread of slander or harmful information against others.

Despite her conviction, Moussi intends to run in the October 6 presidential election, according to her lawyer, Nafaa Laribi. Laribi assured that the sentence does not disqualify her candidacy. Observers view this sentencing as part of a politically motivated crackdown against President Saied's opponents. With Moussi and other prominent critics in prison, Saied is likely to face minimal competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)