The Committee for the Respect of Freedoms and Human Rights in Tunisia (CRLDHT) condemns in the strongest possible terms the sentencing of Riadh Ben Fadhel to twenty years in prison, announced on October 30, 2026, in the so-called “confiscated assets” case. After nearly three years in detention, this extremely harsh sentence constitutes yet another act of repression against a leading figure in the democratic opposition. The CRLDHT demands his immediate release.
Riadh Ben Fadhel, general coordinator of the Al-Qotb party, entrepreneur, and former head of the Arabic edition of *Le Monde diplomatique*, was arrested on November 14, 2023, at Tunis-Carthage Airport upon his return from abroad. A warrant for his arrest was issued on November 24, 2023, as part of an investigation into the acquisition of confiscated property and allegations of money laundering. He was therefore not evading justice; he was returning to Tunisia.
Since then, there has been a succession of hearings, postponements, and denials of release. In its previous statement, the CRLDHT had already condemned the detention as amounting to an early sentence. As recently as October 12, 2026, requests for release had been denied. Today, the 20-year prison sentence prolongs this incarceration through a verdict that the Committee denounces as profoundly unjust.
According to his defense, the disputed acquisitions were made through auctions and official calls for bids. The contracts and documents related to these transactions had already been provided during previous investigations. An independent judiciary must examine these documents, the terms of the transfers, and the role of the relevant government agencies, and then determine individual liability based on specific evidence that has been thoroughly debated in an adversarial process. Invoking the fight against corruption never exempts anyone from these requirements.
The CRLDHT also notes that another proceeding—separate from the one involving confiscated assets—resulted, on May 30, 2024, in Riadh Ben Fadhel being sentenced to four years and six months in prison in a customs and banking case. On April 22, 2025, this sentence was overturned on appeal, and the charges were dropped after his financial situation was brought into compliance. He nevertheless remained in custody in connection with the case now being tried.
In its press release dated October 30, 2026, the Al-Qotb party—of which he is one of the leaders—condemns this verdict and asserts that Riadh Ben Fadhel is paying the price for his positions and his commitment to fighting authoritarianism. The party reports that the defense’s arguments highlighted the lack of evidence justifying a conviction, as well as contradictions and irregularities in the investigation and preliminary proceedings. Al-Qotb denounces arguments and evidence that went unaddressed, and a verdict that was predetermined. These allegations are extremely serious and cannot be ignored.
The CRLDHT expresses its full solidarity with Riadh Ben Fadhel, his family, his loved ones, and his comrades at Al-Qotb. His peaceful political activism and critical views should not be criminalized. In a Tunisia where harsh sentences against opposition figures are on the rise, this verdict is part of a policy of intimidation aimed at breaking people and stifling any organized dissent.
The CRLDHT condemns a judiciary that takes its orders from the government, serving as an instrument of arbitrariness and political vengeance. The sentencing of Riadh Ben Fadhel to twenty years in prison illustrates this relentless persecution of opponents: the defense’s arguments are dismissed, detention is prolonged for years, and sentences are handed down with a brutality intended to punish and intimidate. Under the guise of fighting corruption, the government is using the justice system to settle scores and stifle any dissent. The CRLDHT strongly condemns this manipulation of the judicial system.
The CRLDHT demands the immediate release of Riadh Ben Fadhel and the overturning of his conviction. It calls on Tunisian and international human rights organizations, democratic forces, and Tunisia’s partners to take action to secure his freedom and that of all those imprisoned for their opinions or peaceful political activism.
Freedom for Riadh Ben Fadhel. Freedom for all prisoners of conscience and political prisoners, both men and women.
Paris, October 30, 2026
