Head of Qalb Tounès Nabil Karoui decided Monday to observe a sit-in at the office of the investigative judge at the Judicial Financial Division in protest over the extension of his pre-trial detention since last May 5, said Nezih Souiî, one of his lawyers.

“Karoui was brought before the Judicial Financial Division without having his lawyers notified. He was informed of the extension of his pre-trial detention,” the lawyer said.

Karoui refused to sign and said this is “complicity in fraud” and “injustice,” especially as Article 85 of the penal procedure code stipulates the need for a notification of extension before the expiry of the deadlines..

Nabil Karoui also said he will continue his hunger strike and refused to be taken back to prison, said the lawyer. Attempts to force him back to prison “would expose him to violence over six months and would result in the violation of his rights.”

A committal order was issued for Karoui on December 24, 2020, after he was heard by the Judicial Financial Division over suspicions of financial corruption and tax evasion.

Source: TAP News Agency