Ex-Tunisian President Ben Alis Daughter Denied Extradition by French Court

French Court Refuses Extradition of Tunisia’s Late President’s Daughter

A French court has ruled that the daughter of Tunisia’s late deposed president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, will not be extradited to her home country. The decision was made on Wednesday based on Tunisia’s failure to provide guarantees for a trial by an independent and impartial court.

Halima Ben Ali was arrested in September last year at Tunisia’s request, pending charges of laundering assets gained through her father’s rule from 1987 to 2011. Her lawyer, Samia Maktouf, stated that the decision is “an immense relief” and that justice has been served according to the law.

The financial crimes alleged by Tunisia carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The arrest marked a renewed push by Tunis to recover misappropriated assets and pursue accountability for the former ruling family. This comes after the Arab Spring revolts, which saw Ben Ali become the first leader in the region to be toppled.

Ben Ali’s rule was characterized by repression of challenges to his authority, with a focus on security services and a loyal governing party. He also implemented economic reforms that led to growth, but the country struggled with deepening corruption, inequality, and media censorship. Following widespread protests, Ben Ali fled Tunisia for Saudi Arabia, where he died in 2019.

A Tunisian court later sentenced him in absentia to life imprisonment, which was not served.

Source: Al Jazeera