What's happened
In Tunisia, opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi received a 14-year prison sentence amid a broader crackdown on political opponents, with many facing lengthy sentences or fleeing the country. Meanwhile, Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro faces trial for inciting insurrection, with international attention on political tensions in both nations. Today’s date: Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:32:39 +0100.
What's behind the headline?
The crackdown in Tunisia exemplifies a systematic effort by President Kais Saied to eliminate political opposition under the guise of national security. The sentencing of Ghannouchi, a key opposition figure and former parliamentary speaker, on charges of conspiracy against state security, follows a pattern of dismissing dissent as terrorism or conspiracy. The use of secret witnesses and limited evidence highlights a troubling trend of judicial manipulation, reminiscent of authoritarian tactics. This crackdown extends beyond Ghannouchi, with dozens of opposition members and activists receiving lengthy sentences or fleeing the country, effectively dismantling Tunisia's democratic institutions.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro's trial for inciting insurrection underscores the deep political polarization and the use of legal proceedings to address alleged attempts to undermine democracy. The prosecution's detailed allegations of conspiracy and efforts to stage a coup reflect a high-stakes legal battle that could result in decades of imprisonment. The international response, notably from the US, indicates geopolitical implications, with Trump framing Bolsonaro as a victim of political persecution and imposing tariffs as a show of support. Both cases reveal how judicial systems are being weaponized to suppress dissent and reinforce authoritarian tendencies, with potential long-term consequences for democratic stability in both nations.
What the papers say
The New Arab provides detailed coverage of Tunisia's political repression, emphasizing the use of judicial proceedings against opposition figures like Ghannouchi and the broader crackdown under President Saied. Their reporting highlights the questionable evidence and the political motivations behind these sentences, framing it as a systematic erosion of civil liberties.
Al Jazeera and AP News offer a comprehensive view of Bolsonaro's trial, emphasizing the serious charges of conspiracy and incitement to insurrection. They include statements from Bolsonaro denying the allegations and framing the trial as a political persecution, while also noting the international support from Trump and the potential for lengthy sentences. The contrasting tone between the sources underscores the political polarization surrounding Bolsonaro's case, with some framing it as justice and others as persecution.
The New Arab's focus on Tunisia's internal repression contrasts with the international dimension of Bolsonaro's trial, illustrating different facets of political suppression—one domestic and authoritarian, the other rooted in legal and geopolitical conflicts. Both stories reveal the increasing use of judicial systems to target political opponents, raising concerns about the future of democracy in both countries.
How we got here
Since President Kais Saied's power grab in 2021, Tunisia has seen a significant erosion of civil liberties, with widespread arrests and convictions of opposition figures, including prominent Islamist leader Rached Ghannouchi. The government has used the judiciary to target critics, often based on questionable evidence, amid a severe economic crisis. In Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro faces serious charges related to attempting to overturn the 2022 election and inciting insurrection, with international support from former US President Donald Trump. These developments reflect broader trends of political repression and judicial use as tools for consolidating power in both countries.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why was Rached Ghannouchi sentenced to 14 years in prison?
Rached Ghannouchi, a prominent figure in Tunisia's political landscape, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, raising questions about the state of democracy and political opposition in the country. This ruling is part of a larger crackdown on dissent by President Kais Saied's government. Below, we explore the implications of this sentencing and what it means for Tunisia's future.
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What Does the Dismissal of the Trump Meme Case Mean for Online Political Speech?
The recent dismissal of the Trump meme case by the US Court of Appeals marks a significant moment in the legal landscape surrounding online political speech. This ruling clarifies the limits of conspiracy charges related to digital content and raises questions about how online activism and satire are protected under the law. Below, we explore what this case means for free speech, future legal challenges, and the broader implications for digital expression.
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What Does the Dismissal of the Trump Meme Case Mean for Online Political Speech?
The recent dismissal of charges against Douglass Mackey over satirical memes raises important questions about the limits of online political speech and legal accountability. As courts clarify the boundaries of conspiracy and satire, many wonder how this will impact future online political content. Below, we explore key questions about this landmark case and what it means for digital free speech.
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What’s happening with opposition leaders in Tunisia and Brazil?
Recent developments in Tunisia and Brazil have raised concerns about political repression and the future of democracy in both countries. Opposition figures like Tunisia's Rached Ghannouchi and Brazil's ex-president Jair Bolsonaro are facing serious legal actions amid broader crackdowns. These events prompt questions about why these governments are acting now, what international reactions are, and how these moves could impact democratic stability. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the political landscape in these nations.
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Why Are Global Leaders Facing Legal Trouble and Political Crackdowns?
Recent headlines reveal a wave of arrests, court cases, and political crackdowns across the world. From South Korea to Turkey, and Tunisia to Brazil, leaders and opposition figures are facing serious legal challenges. But what’s behind these developments? Are they signs of political instability, or part of broader efforts to consolidate power? Explore the key questions and answers about this turbulent period in global politics.
More on these topics
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Kais Saied is a Tunisian politician, jurist and former lecturer serving as the fifth President of Tunisia since October 2019. He was president of the Tunisian Association of Constitutional Law from 1995 to 2019.
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Tunisia, officially the Republic of Tunisia, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa, covering 163,610 square kilometres. Its northernmost point, Cape Angela, is also the northernmost point on the African continent.
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Rached Ghannouchi, also spelled Rachid al-Ghannouchi or Rached el-Ghannouchi, is a Tunisian politician and thinker, co-founder of the Ennahdha Party and serving as its intellectual leader. He was born Rashad Khriji.
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The Ennahda Movement (Arabic: حركة النهضة, romanized: Ḥarakatu n-Nahḍah; French: Mouvement Ennahdha), also known as the Renaissance Party or simply known as Ennahda, is a self-defined Islamic democratic political party in Tunisia.
Founded as
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Rafik Bouchlaka is a Tunisian politician. He served as the minister of foreign affairs under Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali.
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The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is one of the thirteen United States Courts of Appeals. Its territory comprises the states of Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer who has been the 38th president of Brazil since 1 January 2019.