Tunisia
Tunisia’s ousted autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali has been hospitalized for a ‘‘serious health crisis’‘ in Saudi Arabia, his lawyer told Reuters Friday.
Mass protests drove Ben Ali out of power in 2011, leading to the Arab Spring uprising.
This is the first time his lawyer Mounir Ben Salha or family have gone public with news of the 83 year old’s health.
Ben Ali has made no public statements since leaving for Saudi Arabia where he’s living in exile.
In 2011, a Tunisian court sentenced Ben Ali in absentia for 35 years in prison on charges of corruption ranging from torture.
The following year, a military court sentenced him to another 20 years for inciting ‘murder and looting’‘.
Tunisia will hold a free presidential election on Sunday, September 15 as it continues a path to democracy.
Reuters
Go to video
Tunisian craftsman preserves national headwear
Go to video
Tunisia's trade union centre rejects IMF reforms
01:03
Tunisian president receives first draft of new constitution
01:22
Tunisian protest constitutional reforms pushed by President Kais Saied
01:26
Tunisia grinds to a halt as unions challenge president
01:03
Tunisia's state agencies, companies closed as workers strike for better wages