Tunisian presidential candidate sentenced to prison

According to a judicial spokesman, Tunisian rapper Karim Gharbi, also known as K2Rhym, was sentenced in absentia to four years in prison for allegedly buying voter signatures to qualify for the upcoming presidential election.

In addition, Gharbi was fined 5,000 dinars (about $1,600) and deprived of his right to vote by a court in Jendouba, according to a statement sent to AFP by his spokesman Alaedine Aouadi.

In addition, the court sentenced the president of the Jendouba municipality to one year in prison and a fine of 1,000 dinars, while a colleague of the rapper was sentenced to four years in prison and a fine of 5,000 dinars.

Gharbi, who lives abroad and is the son-in-law of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, announced in a video at the end of July that he wanted to take part in the presidential election planned for October.

To be included on the ballot, candidates must submit the signatures of 10,000 registered voters.

The Tunisian rapper is known for his charity work with orphans, low-income families, hospitals and schools and has caused controversy in Tunisia due to his tattoos and extravagant lifestyle.

On the night of August 5, shortly before the application deadline, the rapper explained that the authorities had refused to give him a form confirming his lack of criminal record, which prevented him from running as a candidate.

“What are you afraid of? The ballot boxes? Why are you organizing elections?” he asked.

On August 2, the same court sentenced four of the rapper's associates to prison terms ranging from two to four years. They were found guilty of giving money or gifts in exchange for voter signatures.

Experts say presidential candidates face major challenges as they try to take on President Kais Saied, who was democratically elected in 2019 but seized sweeping powers in 2021 and is now running for re-election.

Candidates from different political backgrounds have expressed concern that the new, stricter requirements for supporting a candidacy would make it extremely difficult to get on the ballot.

Several imprisoned opposition figures had announced their intention to run for president. However, they were unable to take the necessary steps because they were not given the authority to do so.

Only two candidates, 59-year-old former MP Zouhair Maghzaoui and the leader of a small liberal party, Ayachi Zammel, were chosen to run against Saied, who was accused by Saied's critics of being authoritarian.