Tunisia ex-dictator Ben Ali receives new life sentence

Tunis, Tunisia: A military court has convicted Tunisia’s former dictator for complicity in the deaths of protesters in the north of the country during last year’s uprising and sentenced him to life in prison. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who is in exile in Saudi Arabia, was given a life sentence in June for the killings of protesters in the south. Some 43 officials were tried in the same case Thursday, receiving sentences ranging from five years in prison to life. [caption id=“attachment_383666” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Former Tunisian security chief under ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Ali Seriati (C) arrives at a military court. AFP[/caption] Ben Ali has been convicted by civilian courts on charges of drug trafficking, illegal arms trading and abuse of public funds, and sentenced to 66 years in prison. Tunisia has asked Saudi Arabia to extradite Ben Ali so he can face charges in person. At least 338 people died in the uprising. AP