Tunisia’s Ennahdha Party Leader, Rached Ghannouchi, Faces Money Laundering Charges

In a controversial turn of events, Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of Tunisia’s Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party, appeared in court in Sousse on Thursday amidst a money laundering investigation.

Ghannouchi’s Court Appearance

Ghannouchi, previously the head of the frozen parliament before its dissolution by President Kais Saied, was summoned alongside other Ennahdha members in connection with the investigation, named “Instalingo.”

The Instalingo Investigation

The investigation centers around allegations of suspicious financial transactions with Instalingo, a digital content production company, that local media accuses of instigating defamation campaigns against prominent state officials.

Ghannouchi’s Response

Ghannouchi, who is also a vocal critic of Saied’s power seizure in July 2021, dismissed the money laundering charges describing it as an attempt to divert public attention from the country’s real issues. He vehemently labeled it an “empty file” and a “fabricated problem.”

Previous Accusations

However, Ghannouchi and the Ennahdha party have also been confronting accusations related to another case. This case involves allegations of facilitating the transportation of jihadists to conflict zones. This issue has resurfaced as a heated political topic.

Previous Summons and Frozen Accounts

Ennahdha officials, including Ghannouchi, had earlier been summoned for questioning, and bank accounts linked to Ghannouchi and his family members have been frozen. Ghannouchi and the Ennahdha party vehemently deny these charges.

Ghannouchi’s Travel Restrictions

Additionally, Ghannouchi has been barred from traveling abroad as part of another investigation into the 2013 assassinations of two leftist leaders. The Ennahdha party, a longstanding political force in Tunisia since the 2011 revolution, has been accused by opponents and members of the political class of enabling jihadists’ departure to combat zones.

Ennahdha’s Response

In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for the Ennahdha party stated, “The Ennahdha movement has always adhered to the law and will continue to do so.”

Political Tension

Ghannouchi’s court appearance comes at a time of heightened political tension in Tunisia, as the future of its democracy remains uncertain. This development promises to create waves within the Tunisian political landscape.