Title: Tunisian Judge Summons Rached Ghannouchi for Money Laundering Allegations

Ghannouchi Summoned for Questioning over Namaa Tounes Charity

In a recent development, a Tunisian judge has ordered the appearance of Former Parliament Speaker and Ennahda Movement leader, Rached Ghannouchi, for questioning over money laundering allegations involving the “Namaa Tounes” charity.

The following sections are subtopics under the above major topic.

Money Laundering Probe and Questioning

According to local private radio station, Radio Mosaique, Ghannouchi is expected to be grilled regarding financial transactions considered suspicious. The hearing is scheduled to take place on July 19.

Official Statement from Ghannouchi and Ennahda

Neither Ghannouchi nor his party, Ennahda, have made any public statements over the report. However, the Ennahda Movement issued a statement, expressing concerns that “authorities, under the guise of a putsch, continue to include Ghannouchi’s name in such cases to serve distortion purposes.”

Seizure of Financial Assets

The summons comes a day after Tunisian authorities seized the financial assets of Ghannouchi, his son, and nine other individuals, including the former Prime Minister, Hamadi Jebali.

Tunisia’s Political Crisis and Economic Worries

This development takes place amidst Tunisia’s deepening political crisis, which has compounded the country’s economic woes. The crisis began when President Kais Saied seized executive authority in July 2021, ousting the government, suspending parliament, and later dissolving the assembly following a contentious session attempting to reverse his measures.

Saied’s Actions and Labels

Saied maintained that these moves were necessary to “save” the country, but opposition voices labeled them a coup d’état.