More charges filed against Ben Ali

Thu May 5, 2011 1:48AM

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Former Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his wife have been charged with conspiring against the internal security of the country.

Tunisian justice ministry said on Wednesday that the charges pressed against Ben Ali and Leila Trabelsi also include “inciting disorder, murders and looting,” Reuters reported.

The recent charges against the escaped couple originate from an incident in the central town of Ouardanine in mid-January when security forces fired at protesters who tried to stop Ben Ali's nephew, Kais Ben Ali, from fleeing the town, killing four people.

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

Ben Ali and his family fled to Saudi Arabia on January 15 when protests sparked over economic issues escalated into demonstrations against him and finally put an end to his 23 years of authoritarian regime.

Tunisian revolution has inspired a wave of unprecedented anti-government demonstrations across North Africa and the Middle East against West-backed dictatorships. 18 days of protests in Egypt led to the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak on February 11 after 30 years in power.

Tunisian interim government has, since the revolution, tried to gain people's trust by filing charges against Ben Ali and his family. However, people who look at the transition government with mistrust have time and again held protests, calling for a clean sweep of the governing team from supporters of former president.

The transition government has recently decided to bar officials of disbanded ruling party in the past 10 years from running in upcoming elections on July 24. The decision has spawned severe criticism from the people who believe the officials who served Ben Ali's 23-year rule should be disqualified for votes.

MA/MGH