A military court sentenced the opposition politician to four years and fined her $26,000 over charges linked to posts criticising President Kais Saied’s government.

Tunis, Tunisia — A Tunisian military court has sentenced opposition politician Olfa Hamdi to four years in prison on charges of conspiring against state security and inciting members of the military to disobey orders, according to her lawyer.

Hamdi, a dual Tunisian-American national and leader of the Third Republic Party, received two separate two-year prison sentences and fines totalling 80,000 Tunisian dinars (approximately $26,000).

The latest ruling adds to a separate two-year prison sentence handed down in March, which Hamdi is already serving.

According to Reuters, Hamdi was detained in February after returning to Tunisia following a period living abroad.

Olfa Hamdi Convicted Over State Security Charges

The cases against Hamdi stem from her public criticism of President Kais Saied, including statements made on social media.

The opposition politician has called for the formation of a transitional government and early presidential elections, positioning herself among the most outspoken critics of Saied’s administration.

Her lawyer confirmed that the military court imposed two separate prison terms alongside financial penalties.

The latest conviction comes amid growing scrutiny of Tunisia’s use of military and civilian courts in cases involving political opposition figures.

It was not immediately clear whether Hamdi’s legal team would challenge the ruling.

Tunisia Opposition Faces Increasing Pressure Under Kais Saied

President Kais Saied has faced accusations from political opponents and human rights organisations of using the judicial system to restrict dissent.

Critics say opposition politicians, journalists and activists have increasingly faced prosecution over statements challenging the government.

Saied has rejected accusations of political interference in the judiciary, maintaining that Tunisia’s laws apply equally to everyone.

The president consolidated his authority in July 2021 after suspending parliament and dismissing the prime minister, moves that marked a significant shift in Tunisia’s political landscape.

His opponents have described the changes as a setback for democratic governance, while Saied has defended his actions as necessary to address the country’s political crisis.

Anti-Government Protests Highlight Political Tensions

Hamdi’s sentencing comes days after thousands of Tunisians joined one of the country’s largest anti-government demonstrations in recent years.

Protesters voiced opposition to Saied’s political direction and economic policies, reflecting continued frustration over governance and living conditions.

The demonstrations also underscored the tensions between the presidency and opposition groups as Tunisia continues to face political and economic challenges.

Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Judicial Independence

International human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concern about the treatment of political dissent in Tunisia since 2021.

Amnesty International has warned that authorities are increasingly using state-security and cybercrime laws to prosecute opposition figures, journalists, lawyers and civil society activists.

The organisation has also raised concerns about fair-trial protections and judicial independence.

Hamdi’s latest conviction adds to a series of legal cases involving prominent government critics, intensifying debate over political freedoms and the independence of Tunisia’s courts.