Tunisia’s Ennahda leader Ghannouchi questioned on incitement accusations

By Yosra Ounas

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) – Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi was released by Tunisian authorities on Tuesday after being questioned on incitement accusations, according to his defense lawyer.

Ghannouchi appeared before the Judicial Pole of Counter-terrorism in the capital Tunis to answer accusations of incitement against security forces.

“Ghannouchi was set free after hearing his testimony,” Samir Dilo told reporters.

There was no comment yet from Tunisian authorities on the report.

Ghannouchi earlier said that the accusations against him are "empty of any real evidence" and aim to divert public attention away from Tunisia's real problems.

Ghannouchi, a former parliament speaker, faces other charges, including the suspicion of illicit funding, terrorism and the sending of Tunisian fighters to Syria.

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis that aggravated the country's economy since 2021 when President Kais Saied ousted the government and dissolved parliament.

Since then, Saied held a referendum to draft a new Constitution last July and parliamentary elections in December.

While he insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused the Tunisian leader of orchestrating a coup.

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar