Former Justice Minister Noureddine Bhiri sentenced to 20 years in prison in Tunisia's passport case
via Business News2 min read
Tunisia's specialized criminal chamber for terrorism cases has issued significant sentences in the high-profile "passport case," which involves the alleged granting of Tunisian nationality and official documents to foreign nationals linked to international terrorism. Former Minister of Justice and Ennahdha leader Noureddine Bhiri received a 20-year prison sentence. Former security official Fathi Beldi was also sentenced to 20 years. Several other defendants, who appeared freely, were sentenced to 11 years in prison. Even harsher penalties were imposed on fugitives, with 30-year prison sentences and immediate execution, including for Mouadh Ghannouchi. The court also temporarily removed the name of former Head of Government Hamadi Jebali and others from the proceedings, pending an appeal to the Court of Cassation regarding their referral decision. The case dates back to 2013, a period of heightened security tensions in Tunisia following political assassinations and the rise of jihadist groups. Investigations accelerated in February 2025, leading to the referral of eleven defendants, including Noureddine Bhiri and Hamadi Jebali, to the criminal chamber. This case is seen as politically charged, with several figures associated with the Ennahdha movement facing prosecution in various matters related to the post-revolution period.
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