Ben Ali trial begins in Tunisia

Tunisian ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/179987.html

A military court in Tunisia has begun the trial of ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, his wife Leila Trabelsi and his Interior Minister Rafik Belhadj Kazem.

The three are accused of plotting against national security as well as inflaming riots and looting in Tunisia, Xinhua reported.

The Tunisian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that the former head of the police intervention units, the former director of public security, and the previous chief of special services were also arrested for their involvement in the case.

Ben Ali is said to have ordered troops to open fire on peaceful protesters.

Tunisian authorities had earlier prepared 18 legal cases against the deposed president. The cases include voluntary manslaughter and drug trafficking.

Ben Ali and his family fled to Saudi Arabia on January 15 when protests, triggered by economic issues, escalated into mass demonstrations that eventually put an end to his 23-year-long authoritarian rule.

On May 11, a court handed over the file of the former president to the Tunisian military tribunal, in accordance with the current legislation.