Tunis, July 4 – Lotfi Mraihi, head of Tunisia’s Republican Union Party and a prominent opposition figure, has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Mraihi, who announced his intention to run in the upcoming October presidential election, was detained late Wednesday, according to politicians and local media.
Earlier this week, a Tunis court spokesperson revealed that Mraihi faces charges of money laundering and opening bank accounts abroad without central bank authorization. This arrest comes amid accusations from opposition parties that President Kais Saied’s administration is exerting undue pressure on the judiciary to eliminate rivals ahead of the 2024 elections.
Mraihi’s arrest is part of a broader crackdown that has seen many opposition leaders imprisoned. Critics argue that these actions are intended to clear the field for Saied, who is widely expected to seek a second term despite not yet officially announcing his candidacy.
Abir Moussi, leader of the Free Constitutional Party and another key candidate, has been imprisoned since last year on charges of harming public security. Moussi’s party claims her detention is a tactic to remove her from the race. Other potential candidates, including Safi Saeed, Nizar Chaari, and Abd Ellatif Mekki, are also facing legal battles over allegations such as fraud and money laundering. Mondher Znaidi, a notable candidate residing in France, is under investigation for financial corruption.
The opposition maintains that fair and credible elections are impossible unless imprisoned politicians are released and the media can operate without government interference.
President Saied, who took office in 2019, assumed extensive powers in 2021, dissolved parliament, and began ruling by decree—a move the opposition labeled a coup. Saied defended his actions as legal and necessary to combat longstanding political corruption. Since last year, numerous prominent opponents, including businessmen, media figures, and politicians, have been detained on charges of conspiring against state security.
