The Tunisian government has launched what it says is an unprecedented campaign against corruption, arresting eight businessmen May 23 and confiscating their property.
In one case, however, the government went well beyond allegations of corruption: One of the men, Chafik Jarraya, was referred to the military judiciary May 26 for alleged treason, breaching state security and being at the disposal of a foreign army — a crime punishable by execution. Jarraya’s lawyer, Faisal al-Jadalawi, said in a press statement June 1 that the accusations against his client have no legal grounds and can be classified as political score-settling.