The trial of several prominent Tunisian opposition figures accused of national security offences opened on Tuesday, with lawyers and relatives denouncing the case as politically motivated.

The around 40 high-profile defendants include activists, politicians, lawyers and media figures, some of whom have been vocal critics of President Kais Saied.

They face charges including "plotting against the state security" and "belonging to a terrorist group", according to lawyers, which could entail hefty sentences and even capital punishment.

In the courtroom, relatives of the accused chanted "freedom" and accused the judiciary of acting on government orders.

Defence lawyer Abdelaziz Essid pleaded with the judges to end the "absurdity" of the legal case, which Human Rights Watch dubbed a "mockery of a trial" based on "abusive charges".

The hearing was adjourned in the afternoon for the court to review requests from the defence team, an AFP journalist reported.

A defence lawyer said the next hearing was set for April 11.

The defence team's requests included the physical presence of the detained........

© Al Monitor