The leader of Tunisia's Ennahda movement, Rached Ghannouchi, has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined 1,000 Tunisian dinars ($333) by an appeal court in Tunis.

The verdict, which was confirmed on Monday evening, also includes placing Ghannouchi under administrative supervision for three years following his imprisonment.

The case against Ghannouchi, accused of "glorification of terrorism," stemmed from allegations that he advocated terrorism during a funeral sermon for an Ennahda leader in early 2023. Ghannouchi denies the charges, asserting they are politically motivated due to his criticism of President Kais Saied.

Tunisia has faced significant political turmoil since 2021 when President Saied dissolved parliament and ousted the government, exacerbating economic challenges in the country. Ghannouchi, formerly the speaker of the dissolved assembly, remains a prominent figure in Tunisian politics.

The Ennahda movement has not yet commented on the court's decision, and Tunisian authorities typically refrain from discussing judicial rulings. The sentencing of Ghannouchi underscores ongoing tensions within Tunisia's political landscape amidst a protracted crisis. (ILKHA)