In a case that continues to reverberate in post-revolutionary Tunisia, the criminal chamber specializing in financial corruption at the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered a scathing verdict this Tuesday. Leïla Trabelsi, former First Lady and a controversial figure of the Ben Ali era, along with her son-in-law Mohamed Fahd Sakher Materi, was sentenced in absentia to 20 years of imprisonment.
This ruling also includes heavy financial penalties amounting to several billion dinars. The charges against them involve abuse of power and severe harm to public administration, shedding a harsh light on the illicit practices that characterized the former regime.
The accusations focus on their misuse of public office for personal gain. According to the court, they leveraged their influence to obtain undue advantages for themselves and their associates, flouting laws and regulations. These "systematic" practices reportedly caused significant losses to public finances and obstructed the proper functioning of Tunisia’s administration.
One notable incident in the case revolves around the irregular awarding of a public contract. Investigators revealed that the contract, which should have adhered to strict competitive and transparent procedures, was manipulated to benefit Sakher Materi and Leïla Trabelsi. Such actions resulted in illegal and detrimental management of public funds.
The conviction of Leïla Trabelsi and Sakher Materi marks a significant turning point in Tunisia’s efforts to confront the legacy of corruption left by Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali’s regime, which was overthrown during the 2011 Tunisian Revolution. The judgment is seen as a critical step in combating impunity and restoring public trust in judicial institutions.
However, the judicial victory is largely symbolic. Both individuals reside abroad, in countries that have not responded to Tunisia's extradition requests. Their absence complicates the enforcement of the sentence and raises questions about the Tunisian state's ability to recover embezzled funds. Moreover, these cases highlight the enduring influence of vested interests established under the former regime in Tunisia’s economic and political spheres.
A Strong Signal in a Fragile Context
Tunisia is currently navigating a period of political and economic instability. The judiciary, often criticized for its lack of independence and slow processes, faces intense pressure to demonstrate its ability to act as a stabilizing force amid growing social and economic tensions. This conviction can be interpreted as a signal of the state’s determination to address corruption head-on.
Nevertheless, experts caution that many similar cases remain unresolved, and the success of this fight depends on implementing structural reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
For many Tunisians, this conviction represents a step forward in a complex and protracted battle. “This decision shows that no one is above the law, but it remains to be seen if it will have tangible effects,” said Amina, a jurist based in Tunis. Others, however, express deep skepticism, viewing it as a publicity stunt rather than genuine progress.
As the country continues to navigate between aspirations for change and systemic challenges, this case underscores that the fight against corruption remains a central issue for Tunisia's future and the consolidation of its democratic institutions.
