A Tunisian court has decided to refer about 40 suspects, including 20 security personnel and officers, to the criminal court for terrorism cases in connection with the escape of 5 terrorist prisoners from Mornaguia Prison in October 2023, according to human rights sources.

The accused face charges of forming a terrorist group and aiding in committing terrorist crimes. Several security officials and prison guards have been arrested as part of the investigations.

Some of the suspects face life sentences or the death penalty, and the case raises questions about the detention of the escapees’ families and the circumstances surrounding the incident.