TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A defense lawyer for the former Tunisian president has described his latest trial as a violation of "practically every criteria for a fair trial."
Lebanese lawyer Akram Azoury issued his statement Monday as the second trial against Zine El Abidine Ben Ali opened.
There are at least 93 counts against Ben Ali, according to Tunisian authorities. The latest trial is over accusations of drug and gun running.
Ben Ali and his wife were convicted June 20 of embezzlement and other charges after jewels and cash were found in a private palace. Besides the 35-year prison terms for each, they were together fined some $64 million.
Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia in January after a popular uprising that prompted revolts around the Arab world. There has been no response to extradition requests.
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