Ahmad 
The Criminal Chamber of the Court of First Instance in Tunis announced the postponement of the proceedings in the case of the assassination of prominent Tunisian political figure Chokri Belaid until March 19th.
The postponement comes in response to a request by the defendants’ defense lawyer, Anouar Ouled Ali, who said more time was needed to review the report of civil claims submitted by those in charge of personal rights.
The case is considered complex in nature, as the evidence points to the involvement of a religious and political militant group, which prompted the defense to demand accountability for extremist ideology and anyone who threatens national identity and national security.
The defense lawyers drew attention to the fact that the 23 defendants belong to ISIS, explaining that the motive behind the assassination is due to Belaid stance against the Brotherhood project and his defense of the state and its civility.
The Criminal Chamber had completed the interrogation of the defendant Mohammed Amin Al Qasimi, who was involved in transporting the main perpetrator of the assassination.
The defendants in the case face charges including premeditated murder, incitement to terrorism and belonging to “terrorist” groups, in addition to collecting funds to finance “terrorism” and providing weapons and explosives to “terrorist” organizations.
The defense team demanded that the hearings be held in a public framework, to enhance confidence in the integrity of judicial proceedings, and in a way that enables public opinion to follow the details of justice.
The Tunisian People’s Movement is preparing to run in the presidential elections with a new candidate