24 to stand trial in Tunisia over opposition murder

Tunis (AFP) - The trial of 24 people suspected of involvement in the 2013 murder of opposition leader Chokri Belaid, whose death triggered a political crisis, opens on June 30, officials said Thursday.

"The first hearing will take place on June 30 at the criminal court," said Sofiene Sliti, spokesman for the state prosecutor.

The suspects face several charges, including "incitement to commit terrorist crimes" and "membership of groups linked to a terrorist organisation", defence lawyer Samir Ben Amor said.

They are also suspected of providing information and funds to people known for their "terrorist activity", as well as weapons and explosives to others with links to "terrorists", he said.

Sliti said all 24 suspects are Tunisians and are currently in jail, except for one.

Belaid, who was gunned down outside his home on February 6, 2013, was a staunch critic of the then ruling Ennahda party, a moderate Islamist group.

His murder triggered deadly protests and a political crisis that brought down Islamist prime minister Hamadi Jebali.

Five months later the cradle of the Arab Spring uprising plunged into further crisis with the murder of another opposition figure, Mohamed Brahmi.

Jihadists claimed both killings and the authorities announced in February 2014 that Belaid's assassin had been killed in a police raid on "terrorist" suspects.

But Belaid's family has repeatedly demanded to be told "the truth".

"Nothing has changed for us and nothing will change... until those responsible for his murder are identified and judged and until we know who planned, financed (the murder) and covered for the terrorists," Belaid's widow, Basma Khalfaoui, said in February.