Ben Ali to face charges over civilian deaths

Ousted Tunisian leader Zine el Abidine Ben Ali is to face dozens of charges over civilian deaths dating back to the start of the north African country’s revolution in December 2010. 

AFP/FETHI BELAID

Three military courts may prosecute Ben Ali and his former interior minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem in 182 cases relating to 300 civilian deaths between 17 December and 14 January according to the head of the army judiciary, Colonel Major Marwane Bouguerra.

The first date corresponds to the death of Mohamed Bouazizi, a market trader who set himself on fire allegedly sparking the revolution. The second date is when Ben Ali fled the country with his wife for Saudi Arabia.

“Who killed, who directly carried out the murder? Who gave the order to Kill? Military justice must determine the responsibility,” said Bouguerra late Friday.

Meanwhile, a civil court in Tunis will open the trial in absentia on Monday of the former presidential couple focusing on the vast sums of money, jewels, weapons and drugs allegedly found in the presidential palaces.

The total value of the goods found is estimated to be worth a quarter of Tunisia’s gross national product.

If convicted, the couple face between five and 20 years in prison. A murder charge carries the death sentence.

So far Saudi Arabia has ignored Tunisia’s requests for extradition.

Bouguerra says an accord reached in Riyadh in 1983 covers extradition between all Arab states.