According to a judicial spokesperson, Tunisian rapper, Karim Gharbi, also known as K2Rhym, has been given a four-year prison sentence in absentia for reportedly purchasing voter signatures to qualify for the upcoming presidential elections.
In addition, according to spokesman Alaedine Aouadi’s statement sent to AFP, Gharbi was fined 5,000 dinars (approximately $1,600) and deprived of the right to vote by a court in Jendouba.
Furthermore, the court sentenced the president of the Jendouba commune to one year in jail and a 1,000-dinar fine, while a colleague of the rapper was given a four-year prison sentence and a 5,000-dinar fine.
Gharbi, who resides outside the country and was the former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s son-in-law, had announced his intention to participate in the presidential election in a video at the end of July, scheduled for October.
To be included on the electoral ballot, candidates must present 10,000 registered voter signatures.
Known for his charity work with orphans, low-income families, hospitals, and schools, the Tunisian rapper had gained controversy in Tunisia due to his tattoos and extravagant lifestyle.
On the night of August 5, just before the application deadline, the rapper stated that he was denied a form confirming his lack of criminal record by authorities, which prevented him from running as a candidate.
“What are you afraid of? The ballot boxes? Why organise elections?” he said.
On August 2, the same court sentenced four female employees of the rapper to prison terms ranging from two to four years. They were found guilty of giving money or gifts in exchange for voter signatures.
According to experts, the presidential candidates face significant challenges in their attempt to oppose President Kais Saied. Saied was elected democratically in 2019 but seized extensive powers in 2021 and is now running for re-election.
Candidates from various political backgrounds have expressed concerns that the new, stricter endorsement requirements make it extremely difficult to get on the ballot.
Several imprisoned opposition figures had announced their intention to run for president. However, they could not complete the necessary procedures due to their inability to obtain a power of attorney.
Only two candidates, 59-year-old former parliament member Zouhair Maghzaoui and the leader of a small liberal party, Ayachi Zammel, have been chosen to compete against Saied. Saied’s critics have accused him of being authoritarian.