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Ex-president faces trial in absential
Former Tunisian President, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia in January, is expected to face trial in absentia on June 20.
Tunisia's interim Prime Minister, Beji Caid Sebsi said this on Monday while speaking with reporters.
"Ben Ali's trial will start on June 20. He will be tried in a military and in a civilian court." Sebsi said in an interview.
Ben Ali fled to Jeddah after he was toppled by mass protests on January 14 after 23 years in power.
Several members of his family and security and some of his closest allies were detained shortly after he was forced out.
Charges
Tunisian authorities have been preparing several legal cases against Ben Ali, including conspiring against the state, voluntary manslaughter and drug trafficking.
The caretaker authorities, trying to assert their authority and gain legitimacy in the eyes of protesters, who forced the transition, are attacking the vestiges of his long rule.
Request to extradite
Saudi authorities have not responded to a request by Tunis to extradite Ben Ali and his wife Leila Trabelsi.
REUTERS/Shakira
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