WADAH CONDEMNS THE LIFE PRISON SENTENCE AGAINST RACHED GHANNOUCHI AND ENNAHDHA LEADERS : JUSTICE MUST NOT BE USED AS A POLITICAL WEAPON

PRESS STATEMENT
THE MOVEMENT FOR AN INFORMED SOCIETY MALAYSIA (WADAH)

WADAH Condemns the Life Prison Sentence Against Rached Ghannouchi and Ennahdha Leaders: Justice Must Not Be Used as a Political Weapon

The Movement for an Informed Society Malaysia (WADAH) expresses deep concern and strong condemnation over the shocking life prison sentence imposed on Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahdha Party, together with several other party leaders in Tunisia.

WADAH views this action as excessive, disproportionate and deeply alarming, particularly in the context of the continued shrinking of democratic space, the suppression of political opposition and the apparent use of judicial processes to silence dissenting voices in Tunisia.

Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi is not merely a political figure. He is widely recognised as an important contemporary Muslim thinker and a long-standing advocate of peaceful political participation, democratic engagement, moderation and national dialogue. To impose a life prison sentence on an 84-year-old statesman under highly contested circumstances raises serious questions about the credibility, fairness and independence of the judicial process.

WADAH strongly believes that justice must never be reduced to an instrument of political revenge. Any legal process, especially one involving opposition leaders and public figures, must uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, due process, the right to defence and judicial independence.

The reported secrecy surrounding the proceedings, the political background of the case, and the revival of old allegations that had previously been addressed through judicial processes only deepen public concern that this trial may be politically motivated rather than grounded in the pursuit of truth and justice.

In this regard, WADAH declares the following:

1. WADAH condemns the life prison sentence and other severe punishments imposed on Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi and Ennahdha leaders, which appear excessive, unjust and politically charged.
2. WADAH calls for an immediate review of the verdicts through a transparent, independent and fair judicial process, with full respect for the rights of the accused and their defence teams.
3. WADAH urges the Tunisian authorities to release all political prisoners and to end the use of judicial proceedings as a means to eliminate political opponents.
4. WADAH calls upon the Tunisian government to restore democratic space, protect civil liberties and return to the spirit of national dialogue and constitutional governance.
5. WADAH urges the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, international human rights organisations, civil society movements and the global Muslim community to pay urgent attention to the worsening political situation in Tunisia and to call for justice, due process and the protection of democratic rights.

WADAH believes that true national stability cannot be built through the imprisonment of political opponents. Stability can only be achieved through justice, reconciliation, inclusive dialogue, respect for the rule of law and the restoration of public trust in state institutions.

Tunisia was once regarded as a beacon of hope for democratic transition in the Arab world. That hope must not be extinguished by authoritarian measures that close political space and weaken the foundations of justice.

Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:

وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ

“And when you judge between people, judge with justice.”
Surah al-Nisa’: 58

WADAH stands in solidarity with the principles of justice, peaceful political participation, democratic freedom and the right of the Tunisian people to shape their national future without intimidation, repression or the misuse of judicial institutions.

AZIZUDDIN AHMAD
General Secretary
The Movement for an Informed Society Malaysia (WADAH)

5 June 2026