Tunisia: Businessman and Former Minister Abderrahim Zouari Arrested

Tunis/Tunisia — Former minister and businessman Abderrahim Zouari has been arrested and remanded in custody for five days as part of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Investigations Sub-Department in Gorjani, the spokesman for the Tunis Court of First Instance and Deputy Prosecutor General, Mohamed Zitouna, said on Tuesday evening.

He added in a statement to TAP that Zouari was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a civil association, which reported suspicions of corruption in a public contract.

Mohamed Zitouna said Zouari was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the exploitation by a public servant of the characteristics of his job to benefit himself and harm the administration, in accordance with the provisions of Article 96 of the Penal Code.

Zouari, 79, had previously appeared in court.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.