Tunisian Court Issues Ruling Against Businessman and Rapper Karim Al-Gharbi
In a significant legal ruling, a court in Jendouba Governorate, northwestern Tunisia, has sentenced businessman and rapper Karim Al-Gharbi, known as Kadorim, to a lifetime ban from running for elections. The verdict, delivered in absentia, also includes a fine of $1,600 for charges related to buying recommendations to secure a spot in the upcoming presidential elections. The court's decision further extends to the local council head, who received a one-year prison sentence, and another woman sentenced to four years, both for similar charges.
Al-Gharbi's aspirations to contest the presidential elections scheduled for October 6 faced hurdles as he failed to submit his candidacy due to not obtaining a criminal record document, commonly referred to as “card number 3” in Tunisia. This ruling comes amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the electoral process, with accusations of political maneuvering aimed at sidelining President Kais Saied's rivals.
Controversy Surrounds Tunisia's Upcoming Presidential Elections
The recent judicial actions have sparked outrage among political opponents, who accuse President Kais Saied of manipulating the legal system to eliminate competition. Earlier this month, four potential candidates were sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from running for life, with charges of buying endorsements. This group included notable figures such as former Ennahda movement leader Abdul Latif Al-Makki and activist Nizar Al-Shaari.
As the Independent High Authority for Elections in Tunisia announced the initial acceptance of only three candidates out of 17 applications, the political landscape appears increasingly fraught. Accepted candidates include President Saied, who is vying for a second term, alongside Zuhair Al-Maghzaoui and Ayachi Zammal. The tightening grip on political participation raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Tunisia, as many candidates whose applications were rejected are now appealing the decisions in the Administrative Court.
