Justice handed down as perpetrators linked to massacre of Jewish worshippers face long prison terms.
Tunisian courts on Monday sentenced five individuals to prison terms of up to 15 years for their connection to the May 2023 terror attack at the Ghriba Synagogue on the island of Djerba.
The attack left five people dead, including two Jewish cousins, Aviel Hadad and Ben Hadad, along with three members of Tunisia’s National Guard.
The assailant, himself a National Guard officer, was shot dead during the attack.
Prison Sentences Handed Down
Among those convicted:
- A student received a three-year prison sentence.
- The attacker’s fiancée was sentenced to eight years for “complicity in homicide” and “membership in a terrorist group.”
- Two additional defendants were sentenced to seven and 15 years, the harsher term reflecting flight from justice.
- The attacker’s sister, currently free on bail, received a one-year sentence.
Defense attorneys confirmed that appeals will be filed.
According to lawyer Nizar Ayed, representing several victims, the gunman acted as a “lone wolf,” though the court determined others bore criminal responsibility linked to the assault.
The Ghriba Synagogue is one of the oldest in Africa and a symbol of Tunisia’s historic Jewish presence.
Before Tunisia gained independence in 1956, more than 100,000 Jews lived in the country. Today, the community numbers approximately 1,500, with most residing on Djerba.
The attack sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide, highlighting ongoing security concerns for minority communities in parts of the region.
Broader Implications
The sentencing marks a significant judicial response to one of Tunisia’s deadliest antisemitic terror incidents in recent years. Authorities emphasized their commitment to combating extremism and safeguarding religious sites.
For many observers, the case underscores both the vulnerability of small Jewish communities in the region and the continuing need for firm counterterrorism measures.
