Related News
Tunis (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - A court in the Tunisian capital sentenced Imed Trabelsi, nephew of former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali`s wife, to 18 years in prison and a fine of 150, 000 dinars (nearly 110,000 U.S. dollars) for involvement in the issuance of bounced checks, the state-run press agency TAP reported Friday.

Trabelsi`s lawyer had requested the postponement of the case against his client, but the judge refused and decided to issue the sentence, TAP said.

Trabelsi, who attended the audience, is pursuing a hunger strike he started on Nov. 8 to protest against what he termed as " the absence of the conditions for a fair trial."

The accused, who has already been indicted on charges including drug possession and use, money laundering and embezzlement, faces further trials.

A Tunisian court has lately also issued international arrest warrants against Ben Ali`s wife Leila Trabelsi, and her elder brother Belhassen Trabelsi for their involvement in a swindle case.

Leila Trabelsi is allegedly living in Saudi Arabia where the former president and his family were given refuge, while her brother, a millionaire businessman, has fled to Canada. (*)

Editor: B Kunto Wibisono

COPYRIGHT © 2011

Comment
Send Comment