Former Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali released after 7-hour interrogation

TUNIS, Tunisia

Former Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali was released from detention Tuesday after being interrogated for seven hours at the prosecutor's office.

Mukhtar al-Jamai, one of Jebali's defense lawyers, said his client was questioned about various matters, including appointments made during his term, his policies and a case with economic implications.

Jamai said Jebali was released after being questioned by the judicial unit responsible for financial corruption cases, but the investigation will continue.

Security forces in civilian clothing conducted a raid at Jebali's residence at 8 a.m. (0700GMT) and apprehended him, his wife, Wahida Trabelsi, told Anadolu earlier in the day.

Last year, Jebali and his wife were arrested on charges of "possession of dangerous materials.” They were later released after pressure from human rights groups.

Jebali, a member of the opposition Ennahda Movement, headed the government from December 2011 to February 2013. He also ran in the 2019 presidential elections.

Tunisia has been in the throes of a deep political crisis since President Kais Saied ousted the government and dissolved parliament in 2021.

While Saied insists that his measures were meant to "save" the country, critics have accused him of orchestrating a coup.

*Writing by Servet Gunerigok