The families of those detained in connection with the case known as "plotting against State security" held a rally outside the Tunis Court of Appeal on Thursday, along with representatives of civil society and political figures, to demand the release of the detainees.

The indictment division of the Tunis Court of Appeal examined the requests for release made by the civil party on Thursday.

Defence lawyer Dalila Ben M'barek, sister to detainee Jaouhar Ben M'barek, stressed that «the aim of this rally is to call on the independent judiciary to release the activists who have been unjustly held in prison for 5 months.» It's time to put an end to this injustice, she said.

President of the National Salvation Front Ahmed Nejib Chebbi said the gathering of political figures to support the families of the detainees «has symbolic value.»

He in turn called for the immediate release of the detainees and a halt to all proceedings against them.

Ennahdha spokesperson Imed Khemiri noted that today's rally was proof that Tunisia's future can only lie within a democratic framework marked by the rule of law and institutions.

For him, the solution is to hold presidential and legislative elections to choose between all the political projects and put an end to the state of division.

Lawyer Sana Ben Achour pointed out that the arrests made in this case were marred by "serious violations.» She stressed the importance of respecting the principle of presumption of innocence, calling for citizens not to be held in prison as long as they are free to appear before the courts.

The case known as the plot against state security is still at the investigation stage.

Several political activists are being held in connection with this case, including Jaouhar Ben M'barek, Khayyam Turki, Issam Chebbi and Chayma Issa.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse