The head of Tunisia’s Republican Union Party and prominent opposition figure, Lotfi Mraihi, has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering.
Mraihi, who announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in October, was detained late Wednesday, according to local media and politicians.
A spokesperson for the Tunis court stated earlier this week that Mraihi faces charges of money laundering and opening foreign bank accounts without the necessary authorisation from the central bank.
Mraihi’s arrest comes amid accusations from opposition parties, many of whose leaders are imprisoned, that Saied’s government is pressuring the judiciary to target his rivals ahead of the 2024 elections and clear the way for his second term.
Although Saied, elected in 2019, has not officially announced his candidacy for the October 6 election, he is widely expected to run again.
Last year, he declared he would not transfer power to what he termed non-patriots.
Since last year, Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party and a prominent candidate, has been held in prison on charges related to public security concerns.
The imprisonment of Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party and a prominent candidate, is seen by her party as a deliberate move to sideline her from the election race,
dismissing her as a formidable contender. These claims are refuted by the authorities.
Additionally, other candidates such as Safi Saeed, Nizar Chaari, and Abd Ellatif Mekki are currently undergoing prosecution for offenses including fraud and money laundering.
Mondher Znaidi, a significant potential candidate residing in France, is currently under prosecution for alleged financial corruption.
Releasing imprisoned politicians and ensuring independent media operations without government pressure are key demands from opposition leaders for conducting credible and fair elections.
Since last year, key adversaries of the president have been detained under charges of conspiring against state security.
This crackdown has encompassed businessmen, media figures, and politicians alike.