A Tunisian court has sentenced opposition leader Jawher Ben Mbarek to six months in prison after convicting him of conspiring against state security. The verdict was confirmed by both his lawyer and his sister.

Ben Mbarek is known for being a vocal critic of President Kais Saied. His arrest took place in 2023, following his criticism of the parliamentary elections held in 2022. His lawyer condemned the sentencing, arguing that Mbarek was not afforded an opportunity to defend himself in court.

As a lawyer, Mbarek founded the movement “Citizens Against the Coup” in 2021 in response to President Saied’s power grab. Saied, who was elected in October 2019 for a five-year term, suspended parliament in July 2021, effectively consolidating his power.

The president has justified his actions as necessary to combat corruption and resolve the political crisis that Tunisia faced, particularly during the deadly coronavirus pandemic. However, his regime has become increasingly authoritarian, leading to the imprisonment of activists, opposition figures, businessmen, and judges.