TUNIS (Reuters) – A Tunisian court has issued in absentia a prison term of three months to Algerian activist Amira Bouraoui for illegally crossing borders, Tunisia’s radio Mosaique FM reported on Friday, in a case that has caused a diplomatic row.
Bouraoui, who was subject to a travel ban in Algeria after her release from prison there, crossed into Tunisia by land last month and was then allowed to fly to France.
Algeria accused France of orchestrating her escape, including what it and Tunisia say was an illegal border crossing into Tunisia, and of putting pressure on Tunisia to let her leave the country.
The Algerian ambassador to Paris was recalled for consultations, jeopardising months of improving relations between the countries after President Emanuel Macron’s visit to Algiers last year.
Tunisia had also bolstered ties with Algeria, a state it relies on for natural gas supply and which it says has helped it financially as it faces a crisis in the state budget.
Tunisian President Kais Saied replaced the foreign minister after Bouraoui’s departure from the country in a move widely interpreted as linked to the issue.
(Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by Alex Richardson)
