Secretary-general of Tunisian Nida Tounes Party resigns

By Adil al-Thabti

TUNIS, Tunisia (AA) - The Secretary-General of Tunisia’s Nida Tounes Party, Slim Riahi, announced his resignation Friday, according to a statement on social media and his lawyer.

Riahi was cryptic on Facebook, promising to provide reasons for his resignation at a news conference to be held “soon”.

Tayeb Sadiq, Riahi’s lawyer, confirmed his client’s resignation to Anadolu Agency.

Earlier this week, Riahi was slapped with a five-years prison sentence -- for bouncing checks.

The ruling can be appealed before a higher court.

In 2017, Riahi’s assets were frozen by the Tunisian judiciary amid allegations of money laundering.

The following year, he was appointed leader of Nida Tounes, which has 41 seats in parliament and remains a key component of Tunisia’s ruling coalition government.