Tunis — The Court of the First Instance (Second Chamber) of the Administrative Court gave, on Thursday, on behalf of Tunisian people, a summary judgement to freeze the payment of premiums and advantages to members of the Chambers of Deputies and Advisers.

The ruling followed a petition filed last February, 23 by lawyers Abderraouf Ayadi, Amor Safraoui, Anouar Bassi and Hafedh Brigui and a lawyers association of Djerba on behalf of citizens, lawyers and the civil society.

This petition aims to annul the payment of bonuses, benefits and facilities granted to members of both chambers. The plaintiffs filed this petition, in their capacity as taxpayers, through taxes paid to the State budget. This summary sentence was made, pending the trial to examine the main case pertaining to the dissolution of the chambers, which requires much more time.

According to the reasons adduced for the verdict, the temporary freezing of bonuses and advantages granted to deputies and advisers is a useful protective measure, in accordance with provisions of article 81 of the Organic Law related to the Administrative Court, as it ensures the protection of public funds pending the ruling on the main case.