The case targets members of the progressive People’s Party and its dissolved predecessor Move Forward Party, who in 2021 sought changes to legislation that protects the monarchy from criticism. The court said proceedings would begin on June 30 and confirmed that 10 serving lawmakers among the accused would not be suspended pending trial.

Thailand’s lese-majeste law is among the strictest globally, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison per offense. Critics, including members of the opposition, have argued that the law has been used to suppress dissent and political opposition.

The court’s move marks the latest setback for Thailand’s liberal, anti-establishment bloc, which has faced a series of judicial rulings in recent years. In early 2024, a court ruled that efforts by Move Forward to amend the law were unconstitutional and undermined the democratic system.

The party was subsequently dissolved, with its members regrouping under the People’s Party banner.Among those named in the case are party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.

Despite strong polling support, the People’s Party finished second in February’s general election to the Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul, after earlier being blocked from forming a government following its 2023 election victory.

Local media reported Abdelli was charged with insulting state officials and offending public morals.

The decision comes amid heightened criticism from the performer toward Kais Saied, whom he has mocked in recent satirical content.Speaking from Paris, where he now resides, Abdelli said the verdict was intended to intimidate artists and suppress critical voices.

“This ruling is aimed at intimidating artists, silencing free and critical voices. It is a political verdict,” he said, adding that being sentenced over his work reflected broader concerns about freedom of expression.A court spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

Abdelli, 56, has long been known for his political satire and caricatured portrayals of Tunisia’s leaders. His performances gained prominence after the Tunisian Revolution, which led to expanded civil liberties following the ousting of former president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

However, rights groups say freedoms have eroded since 2021, when Saied consolidated power and began ruling by decree. Critics argue that these measures have weakened democratic institutions and enabled prosecutions targeting journalists, activists and opposition figures.

In recent years, several opposition leaders, along with journalists and business figures, have been detained on charges including conspiracy against state security, corruption and money laundering.Saied has rejected accusations of authoritarianism, saying that freedoms remain guaranteed while emphasizing that no individual is above the law regardless of their status.

The case underscores ongoing tensions in Tunisia over the boundaries of free expression and the role of satire in political discourse more than a decade after the uprising that triggered the wider Arab Spring.