A court in Tunisia has sentenced presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel to six months in prison over charges of falsifying documents.
The second prison sentence against Zammel in a week comes days before the presidential election in Tunisia.
The presidential election has been slated for October 6, 2024.
The verdict highlights rising tensions ahead of the election, amid opposition and civil society groups’ fears of a rigged election aimed at keeping President Kais Saied in power.
Zammel was sentenced to 20 months in prison last week on charges of falsifying popular endorsements.
Tunisian president reshuffles cabinet ahead of presidential election
“It is another unjust ruling and a farce that clearly aims to weaken him in the election race, but we will defend his right to the last minute,” Abdessattar Massoudi told Reuters on Wednesday, September 25.
Zammel was among only three admitted candidates competing for the position of President alongside incumbent Saied and Zouhair Magzhaoui.
Political tensions in the North African country have risen ahead of the October 6 election since an electoral commission named by Saied disqualified three prominent candidates this month amid protests by opposition and civil society groups.
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