THE sentencing of Sheikh Dr Rached Ghannouchi, the former Speaker of the Tunisian Parliament and a pivotal figure in Tunisia's democratic evolution, to life imprisonment is appalling and warrants condemnation from every nation that values the rule of law.
The decision was made despite conclusions from the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which pointed to political persecution.
This latest ruling further exemplifies the ongoing targeting of Ennahdha movement members, political adversaries, journalists, lawyers, trade unionists and civil society representatives under questionable terrorism-related allegations.
For many in the Muslim world, Ghannouchi is more than just a political leader.
He is among the most important contemporary Muslim thinkers who sought to reconcile democratic governance, constitutionalism and Islamic values.
Regardless of differing perspectives on his political stance, his intellectual influence and commitment to peaceful democratic participation are undeniable and like all Tunisian citizens, he deserves a fair trial, free from authoritarian control and abuse of power.
The imprisonment of opposition figures through processes widely seen as politically motivated poses a significant threat to public confidence in state institutions.
Democracies flourish on robust political competition, independent judicial systems and the protection of fundamental rights. They weaken when dissenting voices are suppressed through judicial means.
Tunisia's democratic path following the 2011 revolution inspired many across North Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
The aspirations of that time were built on the principles of dignity, accountability, justice and the right to freely shape their political future.
These aspirations cannot be fulfilled through the restriction of civic space or the criminalisation of legitimate political dissent.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Polity executive chairman and Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar) advisor
Jismi Johari, Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar)
Charles Santiago, Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights
Chee Yoke Ling, executive director of Third World Network
Prof Dr Mohd Afandi Salleh, Faculty of Law and International Relations, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin
