Tunisia’s Halima Ben Ali Arrested in Paris Airport

PARIS: French authorities arrested Halima Ben Ali, daughter of Tunisia’s former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, at Charles de Gaulle Airport. She was about to board a flight to Dubai when arrested on Tuesday. French prosecutors said the arrest was made at the request of Tunisian authorities. Halima is expected to appear before a Paris court on Wednesday. The court will decide whether to place her under extradition detention or judicial supervision.

Tunisian authorities did not immediately disclose the reason for the arrest request. However, Halima’s lawyer confirmed it was linked to embezzlement charges. Lawyer Samia Maktouf said Tunisia had issued an Interpol red notice against her client. She claimed that Halima was already arrested in Italy in 2018 over the same charges. At that time, she was released after legal proceedings.

Halima’s lawyer said her client is being unfairly targeted by Tunisian authorities. She called it a “witch hunt” motivated by political reasons. The lawyer emphasized that Halima has faced repeated legal pressure since her father’s ouster. The ongoing case highlights the continued legal battles involving Tunisia’s former ruling family. No official comments were made by Tunisian officials on the recent arrest.

Zine El Abidine Ben Ali ruled Tunisia from 1987 until 2011. He was forced out during the Arab Spring protests and fled to Saudi Arabia. His regime was known for suppressing opposition and limiting political freedoms. Although once seen as a bulwark against extremism, his downfall came through mass public protests. He died in exile in 2019, aged 83.

Ben Ali faced several life sentences in absentia, mostly related to corruption and protest crackdowns. His family members also became targets of legal action. Tunisia continues efforts to recover funds and hold former officials accountable. Halima Ben Ali’s arrest is the latest step in that process. French courts will now decide her legal fate in the coming days.