Abir Moussi sentenced

Abir Moussi, a prominent Tunisian opposition figure and head of the Free Destourian Party, has been sentenced to two years in prison for allegedly insulting the election commission, amid a crackdown on dissent ahead of the October 6 presidential election. Moussi was arrested after criticizing the electoral process and accusing the commission of lacking autonomy, with her conviction seen as politically motivated by observers. Despite her sentencing, Moussi's lawyer stated that she still intends to run for president, claiming the ruling does not disqualify her candidacy. This situation reflects broader concerns about the suppression of opposition voices under President Kais Saied, who is seeking reelection. Other candidates have also faced similar sentences, raising fears of an unfair electoral environment. Saied's administration has been accused of using legal mechanisms to eliminate competition, consolidating power since he came to power in 2019.