Tunisia military court sentences opposition politician Olfa Hamdi to four years in prison

A Tunisian military court sentenced opposition politician Olfa Hamdi to four years in prison and 80,000 dinars in fines for plotting against state security and inciting military disobedience. Hamdi, a U.S. citizen and Third Republic Party leader, was arrested in February 2026 after advocating for early elections. The trial marks the latest measure in President Kais Saied's wide-ranging crackdown on political rivals, activists, and journalists, sparking major nationwide protests led by labor unions.

Military court sentencing of Olfa Hamdi

• ▪A Tunisian military court sentenced opposition politician Olfa Hamdi on October 21, 2026 to four years in prison for plotting against state security and inciting the military to disobey orders
• ▪The four-year sentence against Olfa Hamdi consists of two separate two-year prison terms and total fines of 80,000 dinars ($26,000), according to her lawyer Akram Moussa

Protests against President Kais Saied

• ▪Thousands of Tunisians participated in mass protests against President Kais Saied during the weekend of October 17-18, 2026, accusing him of undermining democracy and mishandling the economy
• ▪The Tunisian General Labour Union led demonstrations demanding the restoration of democracy and protesting growing restrictions on freedoms in October 2026